October Birth Flowers: How to Plant Marigolds and Cosmos in Your Garden
When you think of October birth flowers, two stunning blooms come to mind: marigolds and cosmos. Both are beloved for their vibrant colours and easy care, making them ideal for gardeners who want to enjoy rich autumn displays. Whether you’re planning a seasonal flower bed or designing a year-round border, these October flowers add warmth, texture, and movement to the garden.
Marigolds: October’s Golden Bloom
Why Choose Marigolds?
Marigolds are one of the most popular October birth flowers because of their glowing shades of orange, yellow, and rust. In flower symbolism, they represent creativity, warmth, and resilience—perfect qualities to celebrate this time of year, they will last in the garden until the first frosts.
One of the most popular types of marigold are French Marigolds (Tagetes patula) compact and bushy, French marigolds are perfect for edging paths, filling containers, or adding bursts of colour to bedding schemes. They’re often chosen for their long flowering season and wide range of colours, from sunny yellow to deep mahogany red.
Another commonly grown variety is the African Marigold (Tagetes erecta) which, despite their name are actually native to Mexico. These are the tallest and showiest marigolds, with large, globe-shaped flowers in vibrant orange, yellow, or cream. They add height and drama to beds and borders. Plant them towards the middle or back of a border for height, pairing them with dahlias or ornamental grasses for a bold, late-summer display.
Signet marigolds are dainty, mound-forming plants with finely divided foliage and masses of small, single flowers. They’re also edible, with a tangy, citrus-like flavour, making them popular for both ornamental and culinary gardens. They are ideal for edging vegetable beds or mixing into cottage-style borders. Their edible petals also look beautiful scattered over summer salads.
How to Plant Marigolds
- When to plant marigolds: Start seeds indoors in March–April or sow directly outside once the frost has passed. In October, established marigolds are still flowering strongly until the first frost.
- Soil requirements: Fertile, well-drained soil with added compost.
- Light conditions: Full sun ensures the brightest blooms.
- Care tips: Deadhead faded flowers regularly to encourage continuous flowering.
Best Plant Combinations for Marigolds
- Pair marigolds with ornamental kale or purple fountain grass for dramatic autumn contrast.
- Use marigolds in the vegetable garden to naturally repel pests like aphids and whiteflies.Every year I grow some marigolds next to my tomato plants…they act as great pest control without the need for chemicals. For more ideas on companion planting to help reduce pests and diseases in your garden read our blog here.
Cosmos: Airy and Elegant
Why Choose Cosmos
Cosmos are the second October birth flower, loved for their daisy-like petals and airy growth. With shades ranging from soft white and blush pink to deep burgundy, they add a romantic touch to borders and cut-flower arrangements. Symbolically, cosmos represent peace and balance.
Cosmos are a favourite in UK gardens for their airy stems and long-lasting blooms, and there are several types to choose from. Cosmos bipinnatus is the classic variety, with feathery foliage and daisy-like flowers in shades of white, pink, and deep crimson—perfect for borders or cottage-style planting.
For something sunnier, Cosmos sulphureus offers vibrant orange and yellow blooms that thrive in warmer spots and add a bold splash of colour. Dwarf varieties, such as the ‘Sonata’ series, are ideal for containers or smaller gardens, while taller cultivars like ‘Sensation’ bring movement and height to the back of a border. With their versatility and charm, cosmos are a must-have for summer and autumn garden displays.
Chocolate Cosmos (Cosmos atrosanguineus): A Unique Addition to Your Garden
If you’re looking to add drama and intrigue to your garden, Chocolate Cosmos is a must-have. Native to Mexico, this striking perennial is famed for its deep, velvety maroon flowers and a subtle chocolate scent that gives it its name. Unlike most cosmos varieties, which are annuals in the UK, Chocolate Cosmos can be grown as a perennial in milder areas or lifted and stored over winter in colder climates.
Chocolate Cosmos works beautifully as a dramatic focal point in a mixed border or alongside coloured flowers like white cosmos, pale pink dahlias, or silver-leaved plants. Its rich, dark tones also complement autumnal planting schemes, pairing well with orange marigolds or golden rudbeckias. For containers, Chocolate Cosmos adds height, scent, and a touch of luxury to patios and terraces.
With its unique colour and enchanting fragrance, Chocolate Cosmos is a perfect choice for gardeners looking to create elegant, unforgettable displays that stand out from the typical summer blooms.
How to Plant Cosmos
- When to plant annual cosmos: Sow seeds directly outdoors in May, or start indoors in April for earlier blooms. By October, cosmos plants are still flowering generously until frost.
- Soil requirements: They thrive in average or even poor soil—too much fertilizer produces leaves instead of flowers.
- Light conditions: Full sun is best for abundant blooms.
- Care tips: Keep deadheading to extend the display well into autumn.
Best Plant Combinations for Cosmos
- Combine cosmos with rudbeckia or echinacea for a lively, cottage-style border.
- Pair white cosmos with lamb’s ear or other silver-leaved plants for a soft, moonlit effect.
Designing with Both October Birth Flowers
Together, marigolds and cosmos make an unbeatable pairing for October garden design:
- Front of the border: Compact marigolds for bold autumn colour.
- Middle layer: Cosmos in soft pinks or whites to add height and movement.
- Backdrop: Tall grasses or late perennials like asters for a seasonal frame.
This combination gives you structure, colour, and texture—while extending your garden’s beauty right up until the first frost.
Bring October’s Birth Flowers into Your Garden
Planting marigolds and cosmos in your garden not only celebrates October birthdays but also enhances your outdoor space with vibrant, low-maintenance colour. Both flowers are easy to grow, adaptable, and perfect for adding seasonal interest to beds, borders, or containers.
At Buckinghamshire Garden Design, we specialise in creating gardens that bloom beautifully all year. If you’d like to include October birth flowers in your design, get in touch—we’ll help you plan the perfect planting combinations for your space.
