20 Facts About Marigolds & Cosmos, October’s Birth Flowers

For birthdays in October, there are two beautiful flowers to celebrate: marigolds and cosmos.

Marigolds, with their bold orange or yellow petals, will capture your eye from a distance. These flowers are valued in many cultures and represent positive energy and warmth.

October birthdays are also marked with cosmos. These low-maintenance flowers are resilient, like those born this month, and can reseed themselves to bloom year after year.

If you know someone born in October, stick around to learn exciting facts about their birth flowers; you’ll be glad you did.

10 Facts About Marigolds

1. Marigolds fall under the genus Tagetes, and like daisies and sunflowers, they belong to the Asteraceae family.
2. Today, over 50 marigold species are found in various parts of the world. However, these flowers were originally native to Mexico and parts of Central America.
3. Despite its name and bright orange petals, the common marigold or calendula isn’t a true marigold. Unlike true marigolds, these blooms originate from North Africa and south-central Europe and belong to a separate genus.
4. Some species of this flower are edible, such as French marigolds, Lemon marigolds, Mexican mint marigolds, and African marigolds. The leaves and petals may be added to soups, stews, cakes, salads, and even grilled meat!
5. Marigold plants vary in size depending on the species. African marigolds are the largest, often reaching up to 3 to 4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters) tall.
6. Marigolds are rich in a natural yellow antioxidant called lutein, which is one of the primary pigments in your eye. Lutein is also found in kale, carrots, bell peppers, eggs, and orange juice.
7. When planted alongside other crops, marigolds act as a natural pest control and help to keep away nasty pests like aphids and nematodes.
8. Marigolds are a central part of Mexico’s Day of the Dead festival. You’ll often see them around family altars and gravesites, as they’re believed to guide the spirits to the offerings.
9. Marigold extracts have historically been used in folk medicine to treat ailments like cough, cold, sore eyes, and intestinal parasites.
10. China, Peru, and India are the world’s largest marigold producers, while Europe and the United States are the biggest importers.

10 Facts About Cosmos

1. Cosmos are wildflowers also related to marigolds, daisies, and sunflowers. These flowers are classified under the genus Cosmos within the Asteraceae family.
2. They get their name from the Greek word kosmos, which directly translates to “order” or “orderly arrangement.” This name describes the flower’s uniform or orderly structure.
3. Cosmos flowers are indigenous to Mexico and were first introduced to Madrid by Spanish explorers in the 16th century.
4. In 1789, the Spanish ambassador’s wife helped spread these flowers when she carried some flower seeds to England. By the middle of the 19th century, cosmos flowers had also spread to the US.
5. There are so many beautiful shades of cosmos, including white, pink, red, purple, orange, and yellow.
6. The petals of this flower may serve as a sort of visual thermometer, changing color as temperature varies. Cosmos flowers might appear lighter in cool weather and a deeper shade of red or pink in warm weather.
7. If you plant cosmos flowers in your garden, prepare to entertain some charming guests; this flower’s sweet nectar attracts birds, bees, and butterflies.
8. Cosmos are a tough breed capable of surviving in poor soil and even preferring it over enriched soil. You don’t need to water them so much as they can thrive even in drought-prone areas.
9. In the Victorian era, cosmos flowers symbolized joy in love life. Some also believe that this flower represents order, harmony, and modesty.
10. Cosmos flowers mark the second wedding anniversary, representing the balance that follows after the honeymoon phase ends.

Those born in October have the perfect birth flowers that match their personalities and unique traits.

The fiery marigolds represent how spirited and vibrant they are, while the resilient cosmos symbolize their ability to thrive even in uncomfortable situations.

So, when you give someone born in October these flowers for their birthday, it’s more than just another bouquet. It’s a thoughtful gesture that shows how well you know and appreciate them!