"The COVID-19 outbreak fell during the first half of the year when there are several large holidays, which meant big losses for the industry. With demand decimated, tons of perishable flowers were destroyed," Li explained. "The volume of sales for the entire market is estimated to have been less than 20% of the previous year." 

"As logistics have now fully recovered and the demand for flowers during holidays is increasing, this month may see the flower industry flourish," Li said. 

According to data from the Dounan Flower Electronic Trade Center, a total of 6.2 million flowers were sold on May 10 via the e-auction at the Kunming Dounan Flower Market, while on April 30, this figure was just 3.5 million. 

With sales of flowers rising, prices have also surged near holidays. "Take white carnations for example. About twenty days before Mother's Day, my wholesale purchase price was about three yuan per bunch [20 flowers]. But just two or three days ago, the price rose to 35 yuan, increasing by around 10 times. Unfortunately, our retail price will have to go up accordingly," Li lamented.