October Birth Flowers (Marigold and Cosmos): Meaning, Symbol & Care Tips

While reading about different month flowers, I was curious to know what is October birth flower. That’s when I got to know that the two birth flowers for the month of October are marigolds and cosmos.

The flowers are not only captivating but also hold significant meaning and symbolism, which makes them perfectly aligned with the people born in the month of October. 

While marigolds symbolize warmth, creativity, affection, and optimism, cosmos stands for joy, peace, and harmony. The two flowers perfectly blend with the personalities of the people born in this month.

Let’s dive deeper to know more about these flowers.

What are the Two October Birth Flowers? 

The ancient tradition of assigning flowers to specific months has evolved over time, resulting in multiple flowers being associated with each month. It provides an opportunity for gift-givers to choose from the available options rather than just relying on a single one. 

The two flowers for the month of October are marigolds and cosmos. Each flower is known for its timeless meaning and symbolism. 

Now, let us further know more about the two October birth month flower, from their taxonomy to care tips. 

Marigold: The First October Flower

Marigolds, with their vibrant colours and strong odour, are among the most popular flowers worldwide. The flower is native to the Southwestern United States. They are known for their ease of growth and low-maintenance nature. The flowers bloom from early summer to the first frost. 

For more general information, here is the taxonomic overview and ideal growing conditions of the plant:

Botanical name	Tagetes erecta L.
Kingdom	Plantae
Order	Asterales
Family	Asteraceae (Aster/Daisy family)
Genus	Tagetes
Hardiness	8-11 USDA zone
Light requirements	Bright, direct sunlight for 6 hours a day
Growth habit	Perennial
Bloom season	Spring, summer and fall
Resilience	Drought and heat-tolerant.
Flower colour	Orange, yellow, and red.
Soil	Well-drained, fertile soil with a neutral pH level
Water requirements	Moderate watering.  Note- make sure not to overwater the plant to avoid root rot.
Mature size	4 to 8 inches
Fertilizers	Marigolds generally do not require fertilisers, but once in a while, you can feed them with fertilizer in a ratio of 5:10:5.

Meaning and Care Tips

The rich history of the marigold dates back centuries, where the plant fulfilled multiple purposes like ornamentation, medicine, and culinary. 

The plant carries various symbolic meanings across cultures, like creativity, positive energy, and warmth. They are also known to attract good fortune and bring happiness. 

In some cultures, the flower represents love, loyalty, and devotion. In India, the flower is offered to the deity. It is also used as decor during different festivals and wedding ceremonies. 

In Mexico, the flower is used to create the pathways guiding spirits back during the Day of the Dead celebration. 

Care Tips-

Though marigolds are low-maintenance flowers, there are certain things that must be followed for proper flower bloom. These are:

• Marigolds are supposed to be planted in full sun.
• The plant grows best in well-drained soil.
• Deadhead regularly to encourage the continuous bloom.
• The plant should not be overwatered.

Marigold Flower Tattoo and Bouquet Ideas

Read more: 30 Yellow Flowers: Blooms That Bring Joy to Your Garden

Cosmos: The Second October Flower of the Month

Cosmos is the second October birth flower. The flower is daisy-like, with a central disk and radiating petals. The plant blooms with flowers in various shades like pink, white, purple, red, and orange. The flower is a popular gift, including the second wedding anniversary and also holds medicinal properties like anti-inflammation and antibacterial. 

For more general information, here is the taxonomic overview and ideal growing conditions of the plant:

Botanical name	Cosmos bipinnatus
Kingdom	Plantae
Order	Asterales (Sunflowers, Daisies, and Allies)
Family	Asteraceae (Daisy family)
Genus	Cosmos Cav.
Hardiness	2-11 USDA zone
Light requirements	Bright, direct sunlight for 6 hours a day
Growth habit	Perennial
Bloom season	Summer and fall
Resilience	Drought and heat-tolerant.
Flower colour	Orange, purple, white, pink, and red.
Soil	Well-drained, moist, loam, chalk and sandy soil with a neutral, acidic and alkaline pH level.
Water requirements	Low to average watering.  Note- make sure not to overwater the plant to avoid root rot.
Mature size	2 to 6 ft. tall
Fertilizers	Cosmos generally do not require fertilizers, but if you are planting them in a pot, it is better to fertilize them once every two weeks for optimal bloom.

Meaning and Care Tips

Cosmos flowers have a history that can be traced back to their native regions in Mexico, South America, and Spain. The flowers are known to be the symbol of joy, peace, balance, and harmony. The luck element is often associated with the flower, as they repel unwanted insects from destroying the plant. Different coloured cosmos hold different meanings. They are: 

Colour	Meaning
Red	The red cosmos flower represents love and passion.
Pink	The pink hue of flowers is the symbolism of a mother’s love.
Yellow	Yellow cosmos symbolize friendship.
White	White cosmos represent harmony and peace.It is also the symbol of faithfulness and devotion.
Purple	The purple cosmos represents joy and luck.

Care tips-

• The plant prefers full and direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day.
• Use well-drained soil, which is not very rich, as it can cause foliage. 
• If you are planning to plant cosmos in a pot, make sure to choose a container/pot with a drainage hole for proper air circulation and removal of excess water. 
• Keep a minimum of 10 inches between two saplings. 

Cosmos Flower Tattoo and Bouquet Ideas 

Read more: 50 Fall Flowers: African Daisy, Calibrachoa, Petunia, Nemesia, and More!

Which Flower is Better for Gifting: Marigold or Cosmos?

Marigolds and cosmos are the birth flowers of October. When it comes to choosing between the two for gifting purpose, it depends on the occasion and the recipient’s personality. While marigolds represent boldness and resilience, cosmos are known as delicate, elegant and represent peace and harmony. 

Both the flowers are easily available and can last up to 6 days if stored properly. In case you are confused which flower will suit your friend’s personality the most, you can pair the bouquet made of both cosmos and marigold flowers with a card, watch, or perfume.

Read more: Kiwi Tree: How to Grow and Care for This Superfood?

Final Thoughts 

Flowers hold much deeper meaning than just decor. They can resonate with the person’s personality. So are the two October flowers of the month. Both marigolds and cosmos represent joy, good fortune, love, harmony, creativity, and peace. 

If you have someone who is really close to your heart and was born in the month of October, the two flowers can bring the perfect joy and personalized touch to your gift. 

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