AZE.US
Demand for flowers is increasing in Baku ahead of the spring holiday season, pushing prices higher, particularly for imported varieties such as orchids and roses.
Flower prices in Baku have risen ahead of the upcoming spring holidays as demand grows across the city’s markets, flower shops and greenhouses.
Vendors say the seasonal surge in purchases traditionally leads to higher prices, especially for imported flowers.
Local greenhouses and retailers offer a wide variety of plants, including both domestically grown flowers and imported varieties cultivated from foreign seeds. Growers say producing flowers requires daily care, including watering, soil preparation and protection from pests and plant diseases.
Most popular holiday flowers
In recent years, potted flowers have become increasingly popular among buyers because they last longer than cut flowers.
Typical prices currently seen in Baku markets include:
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Primrose – starting from about 0.80 manat
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Cyclamen – from around 4.20 manats
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Geranium – from about 2 manats
Buyers say prices in greenhouses are often slightly lower than in retail flower shops.
Orchids gaining popularity
Florists say consumer preferences have gradually shifted. While roses were traditionally considered the most popular flowers, orchids are now increasingly in demand.
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Locally grown orchids sell for about 15 manats per stem
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Imported orchids range from 27 to 30 manats
Imports dominate the market
Experts say most flowers sold in Azerbaijan are imported, primarily from Ecuador, Turkey and the Netherlands.
In the past, Azerbaijan exported flowers to some post-Soviet countries, but imports now dominate the market.
Specialists say flower cultivation could become a profitable sector in the country. However, high production costs – particularly gas and electricity used to heat greenhouses during colder months – make the industry relatively risky for growers.