Easter lily farming blossomed after WWII

Easter Lilies are now appearing in churches just as poinsettias do at Christmas. Both adorn the altars and pulpits during Christianity’s two most important holidays. Over the years, both continue to be the centerpieces of seasonal decorations.

They are unique potted plants which aren’t suited for cut-flower arrangements and disappear when churches move back to ordinary times. While both are the icons, poinsettias have a longer self-life---Thanksgiving to Christmas. Easter Lilies have a three-week window--late Lent and Easter Week.

Each year, more than half of the 10 million Easter Lily plants...