Hong Kong Flower Market

Mong Kok Flower Market, Hong Kong Overview

The Hong Kong Flower Market located in the Kowloon area of Mong Kok is an open-air bustling market and one stop destination for everything floral and gardening - cut blooms, potted plants, bulbs and seeds. Also known as Mong Kok Flower Market, this is Hong Kong’s premier horticulture destination where there are over dozens of stalls and shops selling in wholesale as well as retail prices and quantities.

A not-so-little plus extra-ordinary oasis of rows upon rows of stalls, stands and shops brimming with fragrant blooms, the Hong Kong Flower Market is the epitome of the gardening culture in the city and witnesses a lot of enthusiastic people come in and leave with gorgeous flowery goods to amp up the decoration game. From potted plants, houseplants, bonsai trees to exotic plants, locally grown flowers, fresh cut flowers, seeds and bulbs, imported blooms and gardening equipment, the inventory at Hong Kong Flower Market is almost endless. Hidden in this luxurious paradise, are also very homely and amazing coffee and small snack places for when you need a break, making it much more than just your average flower market and worth all the hype.

Exploring the Flower Market

The Flower Market in Hong Kong stretches and covers several streets such as the Flower Market road along with parts of Prince Edward Road West, Sai Yee and Yuen Po Streets. This is because the articles here are not limited to innumerable assortments of flowers but go beyond to include gardening accessories, equipments/tools as well as decorative pieces like vases, stands and containers.

To begin with the stars of the show which are the endless number and types of flourishing and spectacular blooms and flowers. The stock ranges from locally grown ones to exotic ones like roses, tulips, chrysanthemums, bonsai trees, mini orange trees, kumquat (said to bring in prosperity and good fortune), assortment of rare and imported blossoms, lucky bamboo arrangements, shrubs, expansive foliages and way more.

Another major facet of this market is the supply of complementary and related commodities like decorative soil substitutes resembling crystals, Japanese chemicals for saving sick plants, clear glass planters to make impressive table top displays, etc.

Best Time to Visit

Since flowers and their likes are the most fresh and blooming in the mornings when they are brought in by the shopkeepers, visiting between 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM is probably the best time. Other than that, it is not overly crowded on regular and non-festive days, so one should be able to navigate the way through it easily irrespective of what time they go at.

A pro tip would be to visit during the days immediately before the Chinese New Year like in end of January and early February because this is when things heat up a bit and the shops are filled with items that symbolises good luck and fortune such as mini orange trees. Such things may or may not be available all year round.

Tips

The staff is very cooperative if you catch them at a good time or when it is less busy. They’ll lend a hand with helping one choose what will look best in case of specific preferences or houses and will also educate one about the different schools of the produce they carry, their significance, etc.
It is a good idea to explore further into other markets like the Ladies Market, Temple Street and Goldfish Market. One can also step in the Yuen Po Street Garden which is adjacent to the Flower Market.
Look around first and keep track of what is new in season (you’ll be able to tell this because it’ll be carried by almost all shops then) to secure good bargains.
The delicate imported flowers are hard to maintain and don’t last as long as the local produce, so if you are looking for generally long lasting and easy to care for beauties then prefer purchasing tropical blooms like orchids, lilies, anthuriums and birds of paradise. These are also cheaper in comparison to the expensive imported ones.
It’ll be great to go to some chic and well-known eateries and cafes inside this market like Zen in 5 season for their ‘elixirs’ and ice tea blends, Maria’s home-style bakery for delicious baked goods and Hayfever for a well-deserved coffee break.

How To Reach Hong Kong Flower Market

Board the MTR and alight at the Prince Edward MTR station and take exit B1. Then walk east along the Prince Edward Road West to reach the Flower Market. Alternatively, get down at the Mong Kok East MTR station and take exit C. From here, walk to the Sai Yee Street through the footbridge and then follow the signs to reach the Flower Market.