Early spring weather sparks gardening rush in Finland

Finnish garden centres are reporting an early surge in customers as unseasonably warm weather has brought spring forward by weeks, according to a report by Yle.

Gardeners across southwest Finland are eager to begin planting, with demand high for violas, herbs, and Mediterranean-inspired plants. Retailers say the mild conditions—with temperatures reaching up to 18°C in some areas—have accelerated the gardening season by roughly two weeks.

Silja Lassila, a horticulturist at Viherlassila garden centre in Turku, described the rush as customers arriving “with hearts pounding,” relieved that winter is finally over. “It’s wonderful for us too,” she said. Popular purchases include classic spring flowers like violas, potted bulb plants, and hardy new varieties such as kultalakka (golden lace), which thrives in cold weather. Succulents for sunny balconies are also in demand due to their drought resistance.

In Raisio, Puuilo garden centre manager Aleksi Samsten noted that rakes and soil products are selling out quickly. Meanwhile, in Pori, Paratiisi Taimitarha has seen an influx of foreign residents living in Finland, possibly due to cultural differences in gardening timelines. “Maybe they’re still following the rhythms of their home countries,” suggested salesperson Sanna Elo.

The Finnish Meteorological Institute confirms that a return to winter is unlikely, though cooler spells remain possible. Meteorologist Jani Sorsa called the current warmth “exceptional” for northern Finland, where temperatures are far above seasonal norms.

Travel trends are also shaping plant choices, with customers seeking Mediterranean species like citrus plants, rosemary, and passionflowers to recreate holiday atmospheres at home. Edible plants, particularly herbs, are selling fast—a trend Lassila called a “positive surprise.”