If you are unable to come up with a gift idea for someone born in October, consider giving them an October birth flower bouquet and see the wide smile on their face.
Similar to the May birth flower and December birth flower, October also honors two distinct blooms. Both Marigolds and Cosmos are believed to be the vibrant flowers of this spooky month.
Associated with various sentiments like peace, resilience, warmth, and passion, these vibrant blooms are not only perfect gifting options but are ideal options to add to your mini balcony garden.
Moving further, let us quickly explore various emotions that these flowers signify, along with their taxonomy and the ultimate care guide that you need to follow to help the blooms flourish.
October Birth Flower — Marigold and Cosmos
The primary October birth flower is Marigold, followed by Cosmos, which is the second bloom. Both species possess their own unique essence, yet together they embody the transitional vibe of the month. As October arrives, autumn begins; thus, both Marigold and Cosmos embody warmth, remembrance, creativity, and peace.
In many cultures, Marigold is considered to be auspicious and are widely used in floral arrangements, while Cosmos flowers are said to symbolize a mother’s unconditional love.
Moving forward, if you wish to convey your heartfelt emotions to someone you adore, gifting these October flowers would be an ideal option. Let us quickly explore more about them in detail.
Marigold — Primary October Flower
Marigold, also known as the primary October birth flower, is a herbaceous flowering plant. The vibrant hues of the genus are often associated with warmth, love, and passion. This beautiful October flower, resembling a pom-pom, is widely used for decoration and can transform the vibe of any home garden.
If you are planning to gift these ethereal blooms to someone special, it is advisable to understand their features and growth conditions, along with their taxonomic overview.
Features and Taxonomic Overview of Marigold
Apart from being an excellent mosquito repellent plant, Marigold also holds cultural and historical importance. The different colors of the bloom signify distinct feelings and emotions. Let us quickly explore some astonishing features of this genus.
- The bright yellow and orange hues of this October birthday flower are often linked to happiness, resilience, and sunshine. Adding this genus can bring instant charm to any dull space.
- In some cultures, Marigolds are typically planted around the house or religious places to ward off negative energy. This orange flower also tends to deter certain pests and is a pollinator-friendly bloom.
- Not only is the genus aesthetically appealing, but it also contains anti-inflammatory properties and is used to heal wounds and cuts. Drinking Marigold tea can treat various digestive issues and is said to relieve menstrual cramps.
This October birth flower is easy to grow and is a popular choice among gardeners and novice plant lovers alike. In the following sections, let’s quickly walk through the botanical background of the genus.
| Scientific Classification of Marigold | |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Clade | Tracheophytes |
| Clade | Angiosperms |
| Clade | Eudicots |
| Clade | Asterids |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Subfamily | Asteroideae |
| Genus/Botanical Name | Tagetes |
Native to Central and South America, particularly Mexico, the name Marigold is derived from “Mary’s Gold”, a European name of a different flower having a similar appearance, used by the Virgin Mary during offerings.
Ideal Growing Conditions of Marigold
Whether you plan to gift this alluring bloom to someone or wish to grow it in your balcony garden, it is beneficial to understand the right environmental conditions it requires to flourish.
| Ideal Growing Conditions Required | |
| Hardiness Zone | 2-11 USDA |
| Sunlight Exposure | Requires direct sun exposure for a minimum of 6–8 hours daily. |
| Water Needs | Only needed when the top inch of the soil feels dry. Always water at the base of the plant and not on the blooms. |
| Soil Type | It can grow in a variety of soil conditions but flourishes well in neutral, permeable soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. |
| Fertilizer | No fertilizer is needed if the soil quality is good and the plant is getting water at regular intervals. |
Since this flower for October can tolerate a variety of soil and climatic conditions, it is relatively easy to grow.
Although there are many cultivars of Marigolds, the most commonly planted is the one with orange and yellow flowers.
Cosmos — Secondary Birth Flower for October
Cosmos is another visually appealing October birth month flower that is easy to grow and represents unique personality traits. The daisy-like blooms of the genus are found in different shades, such as white, red, yellow, and even brown.
Native to South and Central America, this October month flower can be grown both in gardens and in containers.
Features and Taxonomic Overview of Cosmos
Without any further ado, let us quickly riffle through some amazing features of the genus.
- The most common yet popular cultivar of this October flower is Chocolate Cosmos. Not only does this brown flower look stunning, but it also shines when planted under bright sunlight.
- With delicate and silky blooms, Cosmos tends to carry an essence of calmness and serenity. This tender bloom symbolizes love and peace since its name is derived from a Greek word “kosmos” which means harmony.
- Truly low-maintenance in nature, different colors of this October birth flower represent different emotions. A red cosmos is often gifted to portray love and passion, while the white flowers symbolize faithfulness and devotion.
Apart from being an eye-catching and exquisite variety, Cosmos flowers tend to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. The petals of the genus are often used to treat certain skin issues and are also said to increase blood circulation.
Before you add this genus to your front lawn or make a bouquet to gift someone, walk through its stunning botanical background to understand this genus more deeply.
| Taxonomic Overview of Cosmos | |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Clade | Tracheophytes |
| Clade | Angiosperms |
| Clade | Eudicots |
| Clade | Asterids |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Subfamily | Asteroideae |
| Genus/Botanical Name | Cosmos |
The reason this genus is adored by botanists and garden enthusiasts alike is its versatility. Ideal for cottage gardens and mini balcony planters, this October birth flower blooms abundantly from summer through fall, providing vibrancy to the landscape longer than the normal blooms.
Ideal Growing Conditions of Cosmos
Wish to add this alluring bloom to your front lawn? Wait no more! Quickly learn the ideal growing conditions needed for this flower for Oct, plant them in your garden space, and elevate the vibe instantly.
| Ideal Growing Conditions Required | |
| Hardiness Zone | 2-11 USDA |
| Sunlight Exposure | Cosmos can tolerate partial shade but grows best in full sunlight. It requires a minimum of 4–6 hours of direct exposure daily. |
| Water Needs | Once fully grown, very little watering is required. Adjust the frequency only to keep the soil slightly moist. |
| Soil Type | Like other October flowers of the month, Cosmos also prefers growing in neutral soil type. Well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 8.0 works best. |
| Fertilizer | Fertilizing cosmos can negatively impact the bloom. Consider using an organic potting mix to prevent the flower from dying. |
From adequate sun exposure to the right soil mix, every detail contributes to the growth of the genus. With proper care and attention, you have a flourishing Cosmos in your balcony garden.
Beauty and Tranquility of October Flowers — Photo Gallery
Fun Facts of October Birth Flowers — Marigold and Cosmos
Both the October Birth Flowers — Marigold and Cosmos — are popular blooms due to their colorful petals and easy-to-grow qualities. Let us quickly walk through some fun facts about both the genus.
- Marigold is considered one of the best companion plants for tomatoes, as the pungent smell of their blooms deters pests, nematodes, and whiteflies.
- In Mexico, Marigolds are popularly known as flowers for the dead and are typically used to decorate graves and altars. The blooms are especially used to beautify the pathways during the “Day of the Dead” festival. Marigold-infused tequila is also offered on Día de los Muertos.
- Surprisingly, Marigold flowers are edible. The petals are often used to garnish salads and soups. In many ancient traditions, Marigold-infused tea was consumed for various health benefits.
- Though Cosmos comes in different colors like pink, yellow, or red, it is typically believed that the flower can change its color depending on the weather. In cold regions, it may turn white, while in warm regions, you may witness bold red flowers.
- Cosmos is one of the very few flowers that prefer growing in poor-quality soil. It thrives in low-nutrient potting mix and does not require any fertilizers.
- Due to its daisy-like blooms, Cosmos is considered to be a pollinator magnet. The rich nectar of the flower attracts butterflies, bees, and many tiny birds.
Although both the blooms belong to the same plant family, they both signify distinct emotions and require different growing conditions.
Conclusion: Wrapping You a Bouquet of October Birth Flowers
Still wondering what is October’s birth flower? Well, by now you know, the answer is Marigold and Cosmos. Both the vibrant autumn blooms embody beauty, warmth, and peace. Just like these blooms welcome the season change, people born in October welcome strangers with an open heart.
If you are planning to get an October birth flower tattoo, Marigold and Cosmos might just be an excellent option, representing passion and resilience.
What is the birth flower of October?
Both Cosmos and Marigold are said to be the birth flowers for October. In Australia, Rhodanthe is also believed to be the birth flower of this month.
Why does October have two flowers?
October has two birth flowers, so that the versatile traits represented by the people born in the month could be encompassed properly.
What is October’s birth flower tattoo?
Usually, Marigold and Cosmos flowers are considered the birth flower tattoo of the month.
What is the October birthstone?
Similar to the blooms, October has two birthstones — Opal and Tourmaline.
What is the Oct Libra flower?
There are multiple flowers associated with the zodiac sign, such as Cosmos, Roses, Hydrangeas, and Marigolds.
