Marigolds and cosmos are the birth flowers of October, both known for their vibrant blooms and ease of growth. They can brighten up gardens until the first frost of fall. These flowers carry deep symbolism and a rich history, making them meaningful in many cultures. Discover more about these October blooms!
What Are October’s Birth Flowers?
Marigolds are famous for their bright colors and strong scent. They are often linked with death and mourning and are a key part of Day of the Dead celebrations, where they adorn graves and home altars.
Cosmos, on the other hand, symbolize order, balance, peace, and innocence. They are considered lucky and are known for their medicinal uses.
The Marigold
Native to the Americas, from the southwestern U.S. to South America, marigolds are beloved for their colorful, low-maintenance blooms that last from early summer until the first frost. These flowers, part of the aster family and the Tagetes genus, come in three main types: French, African (also called American), and signet. They display a range of colors, including orange, yellow, red, and bi-color variations. (Note: Pot marigolds, native to southern Europe, belong to the Calendula genus and are not true marigolds.)
Although their names might suggest otherwise, African marigolds aren’t from Africa. They earned their name because they were traded through North Africa. French marigolds are named after their popularity in French gardens.
Marigold Symbolism and Meaning
- The name “marigold” is derived from “Mary’s gold,” a reference to the Virgin Mary.
- Historically, marigolds were thought to be poisonous due to their strong smell.
- In India, marigold garlands are given as a symbol of friendship. The bright orange and yellow hues of marigolds are thought to represent the Sun’s rays and are believed to help guide departed souls in various cultures.
- Some people see these colors as symbols of the Sun’s beauty and warmth, while others believe the flowers possess the power to resurrect.
- In modern times, marigolds have come to symbolize optimism, prosperity, joy, love, and strong emotions, but they are also associated with grief and death
- In Buddhism, marigolds are used in rituals to honor Buddha, and in Hinduism, they are linked to the Sun and are often part of marriage ceremonies.
- Some ancient beliefs held that marigolds could protect travelers crossing rivers or guard against lightning strikes.
- The Greeks and Romans used marigolds for medicinal purposes, dyeing fabrics, and creating cosmetics.
- In medieval times, marigolds were thought to cure the plague.
- Marigolds have long been used to treat skin issues like rashes, burns, and wounds, due to their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Marigolds in History
Marigolds play a key role in Day of the Dead ceremonies, a tradition rooted in Mexico. These flowers have been cultivated in Mexico for over 2,000 years and are used to create floral arches, garlands, wreaths, and crucifixes. They are placed on graves and altars (ofrendas) to attract the spirits of the deceased. Their bright colors and distinctive fragrance are thought to help guide the souls of the dead from the home’s front door to the ofrenda inside.
Growing Marigolds in the Garden
Not only do marigolds provide color all season long, but their scent can also repel pests like deer and rabbits, making them excellent companion plants. They attract beneficial wildlife, including butterflies, songbirds, ladybugs, hoverflies, and parasitic wasps.
Marigolds thrive in well-draining soil and can withstand drought better than overly wet conditions. They perform best in full sunlight.
Most marigold varieties tend to grow wider than they are tall, reaching heights of up to 2 feet, though some types, like African marigolds, can grow even taller.
The Cosmos
Cosmos flowers come in a range of colors, including orange, red, yellow, pink, purple, and white. These daisy-like flowers, native to Mexico, sit atop long, slender stems that can reach heights of up to 6 feet. Their colorful petals radiate out from a central yellow core, creating a striking display.
Belonging to the daisy family (Asteraceae), cosmos are a beautiful addition to gardens and have naturalized along roadsides and fields in many parts of the United States.
Cosmos Symbolism and Meaning
The name “cosmos” comes from the Greek word kosmos, meaning order and harmony of the universe. For centuries, the flower has been seen as a symbol of order, balance, and peace. Some also associate it with love, joy, and innocence.
Each color of cosmos has its own meaning:
- Red cosmos signifies love and passion.
- Pink represents a mother’s love.
- Yellow stands for friendship.
- White symbolizes faithfulness and devotion.
There’s a whimsical belief that cosmos flowers can attract fairies to gardens. Additionally, they were once thought to bring good luck by repelling harmful insects.
Medicinally, cosmos have been used for their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, helping to fight infections, treat skin conditions, improve circulation, and more.
The Cosmos in History
Cosmos were first brought to Spain from Mexico in the 16th century and later introduced to England in the 18th century. By the mid-19th century, they had become a popular flower in U.S. gardens as well.
Spanish priests in Mexico were known to cultivate cosmos in their mission gardens. They named the flower for the orderly arrangement of its petals.
Cosmos is also a popular flower to give as a gift, particularly for 2nd wedding anniversaries, where it often appears in bouquets.
Growing Cosmos in the Garden
As an annual plant, cosmos are easy to grow and often reseed themselves. They can thrive in hot, dry conditions and will bloom from early summer until the first frost.
Cosmos prefer at least half a day of direct sunlight. Because they can grow tall, some varieties may need to be staked for support.
Be mindful not to overwater, as too much moisture can reduce flower production. Deadheading (removing spent blooms) encourages the plant to produce more flowers, prolonging the bloom period. Once the flowers dry out and produce seeds, cutting them back will encourage another round of blooming. The original plant will flower again in about a month, and any seeds that fall to the ground will germinate in the heat, producing a thicker cluster of flowers for future seasons.
