Welcome to gardenweb! I see you just registered here at the best gardening website on the web. I would enjoy discussing gardening with you via email, but your page isnt filled in to include your email link. Perhaps you would considering updating it? Meanwhile, I think I can answer all the Q's in your post. 1) Yes, I think you should experiment with another variety of Zinnia. I grow Z. Enchantress, which gives me flowers that are about 5" across the flowerhead. 2) Sunflowers will grow to different heights for different reasons, mainly water and sunlight. I grow several varieties which come back from seed each year thanks to the birds. It's always a nice surprise to see what variety will come up and where. Please email me to discuss. I am also a NJ transplant. Robin in Lewisville NC

Do you remember the variety of zinnia that you planted? There are so many kinds, all different sizes and forms. The color of your seed mix has nothing to do with the size, etc. of the plant. Zinnias (and other plants, too) are often sold in mixed batches as an option for customers. But letting us know the variety will enable us to assist you.

It is the same for sunflowers. There are hundreds and hundreds of varieties, each unique from all of the others. Size is just one of the variable factors. If you purchased your sunflowers in a seed pack, perhaps you could give us the name of the variety.