October · autumn
October birth flower: Marigold and Cosmos
October's birth flowers are marigold and cosmos, and its birthstone is opal. Here's what they mean and how to give them.
Marigold and CosmosBirth flower
OpalBirthstone →Shop October birthstone jewelry
Opal for hope, creativity, innocence and inspiration, paired with the marigold. Our favorite searches for October gifts.
October birthstone necklaceDainty opal pendants, the #1 birth month giftShop on Amazon →Opal ringsSolitaires, stackers & bezel settingsShop on Amazon →October birthstone braceletCharm & chain bracelets with tiny stonesShop on Amazon →Opal stud earringsSimple studs that go with everythingShop on Amazon →Marigold birth flower necklaceThe October flower, engraved or pressedShop on Amazon →Flower + stone necklaceBoth your symbols in one pieceShop on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Disclosure.
The October palette
October birth flower
Marigold
Tagetes & Calendula officinalis
The marigold stands for warmth, creativity, determination and remembrance.
Marigold colors & meanings
- Orange: warmth and passion
- Yellow: joy and success
- Red-gold: creativity
Marigolds (Tagetes) are central to Mexico's Día de los Muertos, where the cempasúchil's bright color and scent are believed to guide spirits home. In India they are strung into garlands for weddings and festivals. Pot marigold (Calendula) has been a healing herb in Europe for centuries.
Fun facts
- Gardeners plant marigolds next to vegetables to deter pests.
- Calendula petals are edible and were once used to color butter and cheese.
- October is one of only a few months whose birth flower blooms right in its own season.
October birth flower
Cosmos
Cosmos bipinnatus
The cosmos stands for order, peace and harmony.
Cosmos colors & meanings
- Pink: love and harmony
- White: loyalty
- Chocolate: deep love
Spanish missionaries in Mexico named the flower cosmos, after the Greek word for order and harmony, because its petals are so evenly spaced.
Fun facts
- Cosmos grow easily from seed and bloom until frost.
- The chocolate cosmos smells like cocoa.
October birth flower tattoo ideas
Marigolds tattoo beautifully in orange and gold. Dense, ruffled heads make a bold statement, and fine-line versions show off the layered petals.
See October tattoo ideasYour October birthstone
Opal stands for hope, creativity, innocence and inspiration. White, black, boulder and fire opal.
Shop October jewelryOctober birthstone guideOctober birth flower gifts
Marigold birth flower necklaces on Amazon →October birth flower art prints on Amazon →Marigold seeds to grow your own on Amazon →We may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Disclosure.
Questions, answered
What is the October birth flower?
The October birth flowers are Marigold and Cosmos. Marigold symbolizes warmth, creativity, determination and remembrance.
What does the October birth flower mean?
Marigold means warmth, creativity, determination and remembrance. Cosmos means order, peace and harmony.
What is the October birthstone?
The October birthstone is Opal, a symbol of hope, creativity, innocence and inspiration. Alternates: tourmaline.
What is a good October birth flower gift?
A bouquet of fresh marigolds, a pressed-flower or illustrated print, a birth flower necklace, or opal jewelry that pairs the flower and the stone.
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