Introduction to October Birth Flowers

Marigolds and cosmos are easy to cultivate and can provide color in the garden until they see the first frost in autumn. Their long-standing and rich history and symbolic meaning make cosmos and marigold plants significant. Find out how to identify these well-known flowers!

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What Are the October Birth Flowers?

Marigolds are renowned for their vivid color and pungent odor. They have been long associated with grief and death. They’re a popular element during the Day of the Dead festivities and are used to decorate grave sites and altars for homes. Cosmos can be an emblem of order, balance, peace, and innocence. They symbolize luck and serve numerous therapeutic uses.

Primary October Birth Flower: Marigold

They are native to the Americas and extend from the southwest United States to South America; marigolds are loved for their easy-to-grow and low maintenance. They also have vibrant blooms that begin in early summer and last until the first frost.

Marigolds, which are part of the family known as asters, and specifically, in the Tagetes genus, are composed of three primary varieties: French, African (or American), and Signet that are available in yellow, orange-red, bi-colors, and along with different color combinations. (Pot marigolds, native from southern Europe and part of the Calendula genus, are not true marigolds.)

The names might suggest that they are not; African marigolds did not originate from Africa and were named as the flowers were transported through the northwest of Africa through a trade route. French marigolds got their name because of their popularity in French gardens.

Marigold Meanings and Symbolism

The popular name marigold is a diminutive of “Mary’s gold.” It is believed to be named in honor of Mary, the Virgin Mary. Mary.
Due to their strong smell, gardeners once believed Marigolds were poisonous. Were poisonous.
In India in India, the giving of the gift of a marigold lei was considered to be an act of friendship.
Various cultures believed that vibrant yellow and orange colors, representing the rays from the Sun, could aid in guiding loved ones that have passed on to the next life. Certain believed that these colors symbolized the warmth and beauty associated with the Sun and gave them the power to revive.
Recently, flowers have been associated with optimism and prosperity, joy and happiness, love and powerful emotions, and success and wealth. The flower is also linked to grief and death. Find out more about the meaning behind flowers.
In Buddhism, marigolds are utilized to honor Buddha, and in Hinduism, marigolds are believed to be closely associated with the Sun and are used in wedding ceremonies.
It was thought that marigolds might be a shield when crossing the river and protect you from lightning.
The early Greeks and Romans used marigolds for medical reasons, to dye fabrics, and to make cosmetics.
In the medieval era, marigolds were believed to be a remedy for plague.
They are used to treat rashes, burns, and wounds. Marigolds have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Marigold in History

Marigolds are a crucial element of Day of the Dead rituals in Mexico. Marigolds have been used in Mexico for over 2,000 years. They can be used to make flower wreaths, garlands, arches, and Crucifixes. They are used to decorate graves and altars for homes, referred to in the tradition of ofrendas. They are believed to draw the spirits of the deceased. Marigolds’ vibrant colors and scents provide a way to a home’s front door and an ofrenda inside.

Marigolds in the Garden

Marigolds don’t just provide constant colors throughout the season. Their distinctive scent will repel pests such as rabbits and deer, making them excellent companion plants. They attract songbirds, butterflies, and beneficial insects such as hoverflies, ladybugs, and parasitic wasps.

Marigolds thrive in well-drained soil and are better tolerant of dry conditions than wet soil. They bloom and grow best in full sunlight. They are often wider than they are tall. Marigold plants can reach up to 2 feet tall; however, certain varieties, like African marigolds, may get taller.

Secondary October Birth Flower: Cosmos

Cosmos blossom in a range of hues, starting with red, orange, and yellow to pink, white, and purple. The flowers are native to Mexico. These flowers are daisy-like. They sit on thin, long stems that may grow as tall as 6 feet. The brightly colored petals erupt from a yellow central. A part of the daisy family (Asteraceae), the cosmos are an excellent garden and are naturally occurring along roadsides and in fields across various regions across the United States.

Cosmos Meanings and Symbolism

The name genus is derived from the Greek word “kosmos, ” meaning harmony and order in the universe.
The flower has long been associated with harmony, order, and harmony. Some believe it symbolizes love, peace, joy, and innocence.
A red cosmos symbolizes passion and love. Pink symbolizes a mother’s love. Yellow represents friendship, while white symbolizes faithfulness and dedication.
At a time, it was thought that the cosmos might attract fairies to gardens.
There was also an element of luck associated with the growth of the cosmos, as they were believed to ward off undesirable insects from damaging other plants.
The plants are renowned for their therapeutic properties, such as their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Over time, they have been utilized to treat infections, fight skin conditions, boost circulation, and much more.

Cosmos in History

The cosmos first came to Spain by Mexico during the sixteenth century. Later, plants were introduced into England during the late 18th century. In the late 19th century, the plants had also become widespread in gardens across the United States.

Spanish priests from Mexico were the first to plant cosmos in their gardens for missions. The name came about due to the orderly arrangement of flowers. It’s a well-loved gift, especially for wedding anniversary 2nds, and its inclusion in bouquets is not uncommon.

Cosmos in the Garden

A perennial cosmos is a simple plant that can often regenerate itself. It can thrive in dry, hot climates and blooms throughout the summer, from early summer until before the first winter frost. Cosmos are best suited to at least a half day of direct light. Some varieties require stakes as they get taller in the summertime.

The overwatering of plants can result in fewer flowers, so keep an eye on the amount of water you offer your plants. Deadhead flowers are spent to extend the bloom. Cut flowers back after they are filled with dried seeds to encourage re-blooming. The original plant will flower for another month or two, and seeds tossed to the ground will germinate in hot soil, increasing plants and a larger cluster.

Final Thoughts

In the vibrant tapestry of October, marigolds and cosmos take center stage as the birth flowers, adding bursts of color and symbolism to gardens and traditions. With their rich history of reverence and healing properties, Marigolds find a special place in the Day of the Dead festivities. True to its name, Cosmos brings harmony and order to gardens with their diverse hues and daisy-like beauty. These October blooms symbolize love, peace, and innocence, and their presence in gardens not only delights the eye but also serves as a natural deterrent to pests. Embrace the essence of October with these radiant birth flowers.

October Birth Flowers: Marigolds and Cosmos