KING, N.C. — North Carolina is the second largest poinsettia grower in the country, behind California, with over over four million produced each year.

People like Jim Mitchell, who owns Mitchell's Nursery with his wife, have been growing the popular holiday plant for decades.

"The poinsettia makes Christmas I think because of the beautiful color. It's a nice house plant that can be used indoors," Mitchell said.

However, he said they've lost about 50% of their church sales because most are still closed due to the pandemic. Yet, Mitchell says he is still optimistic they will make up for the loss.

"One of the local poinsettia growers quit growing this year. He's not going to have any so we've had a couple new churches contact us," Mitchell said.

Because ordering takes place about 14 months before each holiday season, Mitchell did not know the coronavirus was coming. Despite the pandemic, he said he believes people will still want the plant around to enjoy Christmas.

"I think we'll do real well. We've had a lot of people calling and asking. Several people have already come by and were buying poinsettias. I think we're going to have a good season," he said.