Marigold, Petunia, Snapdragon and more: 10 flowering plants to grow this October

Marigolds are perfect for planting in October as they thrive in the cooler months. (Image: Canva)

This October, plant a wide variety of flowers that will last through the winter months and into spring. From classic marigolds and cheerful chrysanthemums to delicate petunias and pansies, there’s no shortage of options to brighten up your outdoor space. And the best part? These flowers are relatively easy to grow and care for, so you don’t need a green thumb to create a stunning garden. With just a little bit of effort and the right growing conditions, you’ll be able to enjoy an array of colourful flowers that thrive in the cooler months.

In this guide, we’ll take you through some of the best flowers to plant in October, along with simple tips for growing and caring for them. So, whether you have a large garden or just a few pots on your balcony, get ready to enjoy the beauty of winter blooms!

• Marigolds are perfect for planting in October, as they thrive in the cooler months. They are easy to grow and will start blooming in winter, providing vibrant orange, yellow, and red blooms.
• Care tips: Give full sunlight and well-drained slightly sandy soil. Water regularly, but dry out the soil between sessions to avoid waterlogging. Deadheading wilted flowers will encourage more flowering.

• Chrysanthemums thrive in cooler weather and come in a wide range of colours. They bloom beautifully in the winter months.
• Care tips: These need 4-6 hours of sunlight and well-draining, compost-enriched soil. Water them regularly, but avoid the water touching the leaves as it can lead to fungal issues. Pinch back the stems early to promote bushier growth and use high-potassium fertilisers.

• Petunias are ideal for the winter season, and planting them in October ensures they get enough time to establish before the colder months.
• Care tips: Petunias need full to partial sunlight and prefer well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. Water once a week deeply and ensure the soil dries out between watering. Deadhead spent flowers and fertilised with liquid feed every two weeks to produce abundant blooms.

• Calendula, or pot marigold, produces bright yellow and orange flowers and is easy to care for. It grows well in garden beds and pots.
• Care tips: Calendulas grow well in full sun or partial shade with light, well-drained soil. Water them moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly. Deadheading can encourage more blooms, while mulch can protect them from unexpected cold spells.

• These delicate flowers come in various colours and thrive in cool weather, blooming throughout the winter.
• Care tips: Pansies grow best in full sun to partial shade with well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering. Remove dead flowers regularly and feed with a balanced fertiliser.

• Dianthus, with their pink, red, or white blooms, add a charming touch to gardens and last throughout the winter months.
• Care tips: Dianthus enjoys full sun or partial shade and prefers slightly alkaline, well-drained soil. Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between sessions. Pinch off spent blooms to encourage more flowers. Use slow-release fertilisers every few weeks to ensure steady growth.

• These climbing plants produce fragrant, colourful blooms in winter and spring, making them perfect for trees and garden fences.
• Care tips: Sweet peas love full sunlight and require nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, and provide a trellis or stake for climbing. Deadhead regularly to prolong their bloom time.

• Nasturtiums thrive in cooler weather and add vibrant yellow, orange, and red flowers to the garden. They are also edible, making them a versatile plant to grow.
• Care tips: They prefer full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade and grow well in poor, well-drained soil. Over-fertilising reduces blooms, so it’s best to limit feeding. Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry between watering, and trim long vines for bushier growth.

• Snapdragons, or antirrhinums, are perfect for the winter season. Planting them in October ensures they'll bloom by late winter.
• Care tips: Snapdragons grow best in full sun to partial shade with well-draining, organic-rich soil. Water consistently without over-soaking the soil. Deadhead the faded flowers to encourage more blooms and feed monthly with a balanced fertiliser.

• Verbena is a low-maintenance flower that grows well in cooler temperatures. Planting in October will result in blooms throughout the winter.
• Care tips: Plant them in full sunlight and well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. Water regularly, but allow the soil to dry between sessions. Trim back the plants to prevent legginess, and apply liquid fertiliser every two weeks to encourage abundant flowering.

October is an excellent month for planting flowers in India as the weather cools and prepares for winter. Marigolds, chrysanthemums, petunias, and pansies are just a few of the many flowers that thrive during this time. Plant these flowers now to ensure a garden full of colour and beauty throughout the winter and into the spring.