Zinnia Plants And Flowers Are Small

Question From: OHIO
Q: I have zennia seeds I harvest every year for the next season. I did this last fall for this years flowers. They have always been at least 36 inches tall with large flowers. This year the plants and the flowers are very small. What could be the cause of the stunted growth.

A: My guess is its the weather. Unsessonsalby cold spring that turned into a heat wave overnight. And don't forget the drought. I would invest in some fresh seed next year. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy.