Flowers unharmed by recent chill, say sellers

Charlotte Lam

Local flower growers have reported that the recent cold front in Hong Kong has not harmed the growth of New Year flowers this year.

This statement comes in the wake of a warning from the Hong Kong Observatory, which indicated that an intense winter monsoon is affecting southern China, leading to a drop in temperatures.

The Observatory yesterday afternoon issued a Cold Weather Warning, advising residents to brace for persistently cold conditions over the coming days.

The weatherman noted the potential for frost in inland regions and on high ground due to radiation cooling under clear skies.

"Winds may be strong in elevated areas, enhancing the wind chill effect. With clear skies, we expect significant radiation cooling overnight this weekend, increasing the chances of frost in inland areas of the New Territories and on high ground," it said.

Sunny Lai Wing-chun, chairman of the Hong Kong Wholesale Florist Association, said that temperatures dropping below 5 degrees Celsius can freeze and kill flowers. However, the widespread use of greenhouses by local farmers significantly mitigates this risk.

"Actually, temperature variations can be beneficial for flower growth, leading to more beautiful blooms," Lai added.

One grower from Tai Mo Shan, Hong Kong's highest peak, said that preventive measures depend on the severity of temperature drops and wind conditions.

"Flowers remain unharmed within the temperature range of six to eight degrees. However, if strong north winds occur, we may see some damage, such as dried edges. Nonetheless, we are confident in managing these challenges based on our past experiences," he added.

While flower farmers remain optimistic, vegetable growers have voiced greater concerns regarding potential frost damage, potentially resulting in significant financial losses.

"Frost damage to 40 to 50 percent of crops could force us to raise prices by as much as 30 percent," one farmer warned, adding that they are implementing preventive measures to minimize risks.