Best flowers to plant in October for a colourful festive bloom

Flowers such as marigolds, zinnias, cosmos, petunias and celosia will thrive if planted now. Leafy plants such as coleus and ornamental grasses can also be planted at this time to add depth and greenery, creating a balanced and cheerful display.

Josphat Nguro, a plants consultant and owner of a plant nursery in Karen, explains that the short rains that start in October provide just enough moisture for young roots to settle, while the gentle temperatures allow the flowers to grow without stress.

“In the lowlands, heat-loving blooms shine brightest. In the highlands, cooler air allows a wider variety to flourish, and along the coast, flowers that can withstand humidity and fungal diseases thrive best,” says Josphat.

So, which plants are the best for a festive garden?

Marigolds are Josphat’s first recommendation. Their golden petals unfurl in six to eight weeks, adding a touch of cheerful warmth to any corner. “Their compact, bushy structure fills beds with brightness, making them ideal for borders and clustered displays,” he explains.

Zinnias also get ready in six to eight weeks and come in a kaleidoscope of colours ranging from fiery reds to sunny yellows and delicate pinks. Their upright stems and bold blooms create vibrant focal points in flowerbeds and bring energy and joy to the garden.

Another excellent choice for this season is cosmos. With their delicate, feathery foliage, they bloom in eight to ten weeks. “Their soft, daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, white and purple sway gently in the breeze, creating a romantic and whimsical effect,” says Josphat.

Petunias, ready in eight to ten weeks, look beautiful when spilling gracefully from hanging baskets or lining borders with cascades of colour. Their trumpet-shaped blooms come in solid colours, blends, and speckled patterns, which give any garden a soft yet lively appearance.

Josphat also introduces lesser-known varieties such as asters, chrysanthemums, and Japanese anemones. Asters bloom with daisy-like petals in shades of purple, pink, and white, adding a delicate and cheerful touch.

“Chrysanthemums bring long-lasting, textured blooms, perfect for filling gaps and extending the flowering season. Japanese anemones are elegant and understated, lending a graceful charm with their soft pastel tones, which complement bolder flowers.”

As the season approaches, certain flowers fly off the shelves at Betty Karimi’s nursery on Ngong Road.

“Roses are the most popular choice, especially for their beautiful red, white, and pink blooms—they always stand out. However, people are also choosing vibrant flowers such as geraniums, verbena, fuchsia, and impatiens to add festive cheer,” she says.

For Betty, impatiens and verbena are essential plants at this time of year.

Over the years, she has noted seasonal colour trends, with many people selecting bright reds and yellows for a festive look, while whites offer a peaceful balance. Pink appeals to those seeking a romantic touch, and pastels create a serene atmosphere in December.

For gardeners who prefer seeds, Josphat highlights their cost-effectiveness and variety, ideal for those willing to nurture from the start. However, he acknowledges that seeds require more care and patience.

Betty mentions that seedlings are more popular during the festive season due to their quick growth and ease of care, advising gardeners to choose them in October for timely blooms.

Josphat suggests combining seeds and seedlings for a layered effect—using seedlings for immediate impact and scattering the seeds of slower-growers like cosmos for continuous blooms.

Soil care is crucial; while October's short rains provide hydration, Josphat warns against overwatering, which can suffocate roots.

For customers planting now, Betty offers practical tips for success: “Adding compost or organic fertiliser boosts growth, and soil quality is crucial. If your garden lacks fertile soil, replace the topsoil with a fertile mix. Start in October, and by December, your space will flourish,” she says.

When it comes to sunlight, she explains that different flowers have varying needs. Full sun lovers include marigolds, zinnias, cosmos, and celosia, while partial shade flowers like petunias, chrysanthemums, and asters do well in filtered sunlight, ideal for urban gardens.

Combinations

Josphat highlights the value of layering and contrast in flower combinations. For instance, pairing tall cosmos with shorter petunias and celosia creates depth, while zinnias and marigolds add vibrant contrast with their upright stems and rich colours. Including herbs like basil or leafy greens like lettuce enhances both the garden's appearance and practicality by adding texture.

“Impatiens thrive in shady corners. They bloom non-stop and quickly fill spaces with soft, colourful flowers. Verbena loves the sun, is tough and low-maintenance, and produces bright, bold blooms that spread beautifully,” adds Betty.

While marigolds, zinnias, cosmos, petunias, and celosia remain popular, these other colourful blooms are becoming favourites for creating lively displays.

Josphat notes that some of the common mistakes gardeners make are planting too late, overcrowding plants and choosing varieties that are not suited to the local climate.

“Timing is key. If you plant too late, your flowers won’t have enough time to bloom before December,” he explains.

“Starting with healthy seedlings in rich soil with consistent moisture gives plants the best start,” he says. He also reminds gardeners to be vigilant about pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites, and suggests that they adopt natural control methods such as companion planting and neem sprays.

Small space gardening

For those living in urban areas with limited space, Josphat assures them that even the tiniest balcony or patio can be filled with vibrant colours.

“Compact flowers like petunias, which have cascading, trumpet-shaped blooms, create beautiful swathes of colour in hanging baskets. Celosia adds vertical interest with its flame-like plumes, drawing the eye upwards and adding dynamic depth,” he explains.

He advises gardeners to arrange plants by height and colour, placing taller blooms at the back and shorter ones at the front to maximise visual impact.

Cost, budget and convenience

Betty provides budget-friendly gardening tips: "Start with as little as Sh2,000. Plant bright seedlings in clusters to enhance your garden. Use home compost from vegetable scraps instead of buying fertiliser, and choose long-blooming varieties for lasting colour."

In December, repeat customers frequent her nursery, seeking gap fillers for underperforming flowers or festive touches. Many opt for quickly establishing seedlings or near-blooming plants for instant results, depending on their individual lifestyles.

Using well-draining potting soil and containers with adequate drainage is crucial for healthy root development as it helps to prevent waterlogging and root rot.

“Small spaces are ideal for experimenting with texture and contrast. Petunias, cosmos, impatiens, and verbena add colour to shaded corners. For greenery, potted palms, succulents, snake plants, and philodendrons create a calming, structured backdrop. A balcony or indoor garden can feel like a vibrant retreat, filled with life and colour,” Betty adds.

“Even a small budget can create a festive atmosphere if you choose the right plants, space them thoughtfully, and care for them consistently. A mix of colourful blooms, strategic layering and careful plant selection can transform any space into a lively, celebratory garden,” emphasises Josphat.

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