Growers say a tough growing year and rising costs are behind blooming vege prices

Citizen initiative The Facts has analysed the 15 highest and lowest Food Price Index changes over the past 15 years.

Cabbage rose 262 percent to March this year, and a kilo of lettuce went up 229 percent.

Vegetable New Zealand Chair John Murphy says continued expenses mean prices aren't likely to drop far.

He says with huge increases in costs for fertiliser and labour ... they have to charge enough to keep their businesses viable.