Qingming flowers: a florist's stocking guide
Before Qingming (Chinese mainland), chrysanthemum, lily wholesale prices typically run 1.5–2× normal; stock up about 14 days ahead. Dates and order-by dates for 2026–2028.
- Market
- Chinese mainland
- Flowers affected
- Chrysanthemum, Lily
- Typical price
- 1.5–2× normal wholesale
- Stock up
- 14 days ahead
Dates and order-by dates
| Year | Date | Start stocking by |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2026-04-05 | 2026-03-22 |
| 2027 | 2027-04-05 | 2027-03-22 |
| 2028 | 2028-04-04 | 2028-03-21 |
How people buy for it
Tomb-sweeping day. Families visit graves with white and yellow chrysanthemums, white lilies and carnations in simple bunches and small baskets. Demand peaks over the weekend before and on the day itself.
The flowers that surge
| Flower | Role | Vase life | In season | Fragrance | Pets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chrysanthemum | Focal flower | 10–14 days | Autumn | Light | mildly toxic |
| Lily | Focal flower | 7–10 days | Year-round | Strong | ⚠ toxic to cats |
What the surge does to material cost
If the affected flowers make up the share of a design's material cost shown below, a 1.5–2× surge raises the whole design's material cost by:
| Affected flowers as share of material cost | At 1.5× | At 2× |
|---|---|---|
| 40% | +20% | +40% |
| 60% | +30% | +60% |
| 80% | +40% | +80% |
Alternatives that are not priced up
Flowers with the same role that are available at this time of year and not on this holiday's surge list — the basis for a "holiday-proof" option:
| Instead of | Consider |
|---|---|
| Chrysanthemum | Carnation, Orchids (cut), Heliconia, Rose |
| Lily | Gerbera daisy, Calla lily, Rose, Lisianthus |
What florists should know
- Lily is highly toxic to cats — swap it for homes with cats.
- Lily pollen stains clothing — remove the anthers before delivery.
- Qingming is for tomb-sweeping: white and yellow chrysanthemums and white lilies in muted colours; avoid celebratory red.
FAQ
When is Qingming in 2026, 2027, 2028?
2026: 2026-04-05; 2027: 2027-04-05; 2028: 2028-04-04 (Chinese mainland).
Which flowers get more expensive before Qingming, and by how much?
Chrysanthemum, Lily wholesale prices typically run 1.5–2× normal.
How far ahead should florists stock up for Qingming?
About 14 days ahead — around 2026-03-22 for 2026 — and quote at holiday prices.
What can florists offer instead of the flowers that surge before Qingming?
Instead of chrysanthemum: carnation, orchids (cut), heliconia, rose; Instead of lily: gerbera daisy, calla lily, rose, lisianthus.