October in California offers a floral treasure trove for gardeners who love color. Picking the right blooms now can keep your garden vibrant well into the season.
These flowers aren’t just beautiful—they’re resilient and perfect for fall. Here are 13 of the best choices for California gardeners this month.
1. Chrysanthemums
These autumn classics thrive in California’s mild October climate. The ball-shaped blooms come in sunset hues that perfectly complement the season’s vibe.
Gardeners across Northern California prize mums for their long-lasting flowers and minimal water needs. Just give them full sun and well-draining soil for a spectacular fall display.
2. Mexican Sage
Velvety purple spikes create dramatic vertical interest that attracts both admiration and hummingbirds. The silver-gray foliage adds wonderful texture to any garden bed.
Southern California landscapers love this drought-tolerant perennial for its reliable October performance. Give it minimal water and full sun for the most impressive blooms.
3. Zinnias
Bold, cheerful blooms continue strong into fall, offering rainbow colors that brighten any space. The daisy-like flowers stand tall on sturdy stems, perfect for cutting gardens.
Central California gardeners appreciate how zinnias attract butterflies while requiring little maintenance. Regular deadheading extends their flowering season well into the cooler months.
4. Dahlias
Dramatic dinner-plate sized blooms create showstopping focal points in October gardens. The intricate petal patterns range from simple singles to complex decoratives in every color except true blue.
Coastal California growers enjoy extended dahlia seasons thanks to mild fall temperatures. Provide rich soil, moderate water, and stakes for the larger varieties to prevent toppling.
5. Marigolds
Fiery orange and yellow blossoms bring sunshine to gardens even as days grow shorter. Their distinctive scent naturally repels certain garden pests while attracting beneficial insects.
Inland California gardeners appreciate marigolds’ heat tolerance and ability to thrive in various soil conditions. These easy-care annuals keep producing until the first frost hits.
6. Cosmos
Delicate, daisy-like flowers dance above feathery foliage, creating an airy, meadow-like effect. The pink, white and burgundy blooms sway gracefully in autumn breezes.
Northern California gardeners love how cosmos self-seed readily, returning year after year. These low-maintenance beauties thrive in poor soil and need little water once established.
7. Blanket Flower
Red and yellow pinwheel patterns create eye-catching displays that continue blooming through fall. The daisy-like flowers have a rustic, wildflower quality perfect for casual garden styles.
Southern California xeriscaping enthusiasts value blanket flowers for their extreme drought tolerance. These native-inspired perennials attract pollinators while requiring almost no supplemental water.
8. Pansies
Cheerful faces in jewel tones brighten up fall gardens with their whimsical appearance. The velvet-like petals come in purple, yellow, orange, and bicolor combinations that pop against autumn foliage.
Central California gardeners plant pansies in October for continuous color through spring. These cool-weather lovers perform best in partial shade and consistently moist, rich soil.
9. Rudbeckia
Golden petals surrounding chocolate centers create a classic autumn look that complements changing leaves. The sturdy stems hold up well in arrangements and stand strong against October winds.
Coastal California growers enjoy rudbeckia’s long bloom period and resistance to deer browsing. These prairie-inspired perennials need only moderate water and perform best in full sun locations.
10. Snapdragons
Tall spikes covered in dragon-mouth blooms create vertical interest in fall beds. The candy-colored flowers come in every shade from soft pastels to rich jewel tones.
Inland California gardeners plant snapdragons in October for spectacular spring displays. They appreciate partial shade in hotter regions but handle full sun beautifully in cooler coastal areas.
11. Verbena
Clusters of tiny star-shaped flowers create carpet-like drifts of color in purple, pink and white. The low-growing habit makes verbena perfect for garden edges and containers.
Northern California landscapers value verbena for its heat tolerance and long flowering period. The spreading habit helps suppress weeds while providing nectar for butterflies through the fall months.
12. Dianthus
Spicy-scented blooms in shades from white to deepest red bring cottage garden charm to October beds. The ruffled petals often feature contrasting edges or centers for added visual interest.
Southern California gardeners appreciate dianthus for their low water needs and tolerance of poor soil. These compact perennials keep producing flowers well into the cooler months with minimal care.
13. Calendula
Sunny orange and yellow daisy-like blooms bring cheerful energy to fall gardens. The edible petals can even garnish October harvest meals, adding both beauty and nutrition.
Central California organic gardeners value calendula for its pest-repelling properties and medicinal uses. These easy-growing flowers self-seed readily and attract beneficial insects to vegetable gardens.