MISTLETOE has soared in price because of the topsy-turvy weather.
One sprig can cost £16.99 — double the price in 2016.
1
The plant needs a hard winter to produce a good crop of white berries the next autumn.
Last winter was mild, but early summer had long cold spells — which meant fewer bees and pollinating insects.
Christmas kissers now face higher prices at online marketplaces such as Etsy.
Most of this year’s crop will be sold to wholesalers in an auction at the UK’s mistletoe capital — Tenbury Wells, Worcs.
Mistletoe is a parasite plant that grows in large clumps on host trees. One of its favourites is the apple and it can also be seen on lime, poplar and hawthorn. The custom of kissing under the mistletoe originates in Scandinavia, where it was seen as a plant of peace.
The berries also made it an ancient Greek fertility symbol, and in the UK it is a sign of ongoing life in winter.
Therese Coffey I don’t think there should be much snogging under the mistletoe
We pay for your stories!
Do you have a story for The Sun news desk?
