Choosing the right annuals for pots in full sun can transform your outdoor space, but many gardeners make the mistake of selecting plants that can’t withstand intense heat or require constant watering. The key to vibrant, long-lasting container displays lies in understanding which varieties thrive under direct sunlight without constant fuss. Our guide cuts through the confusion, helping you pick resilient and beautiful options that will flourish from spring to fall.

To help you create stunning, sun-drenched container gardens, we’ve meticulously researched and compiled a list of the 7 best annuals for pots in full sun of 2026. We focused on factors like heat tolerance, drought resistance, continuous blooming, and overall visual impact, ensuring each recommendation delivers maximum beauty with minimal effort. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, our selections will help you achieve a breathtaking display, complementing your existing outdoor planters beautifully.

1
Best Seller

BuggyBeds Marigold Flower Seeds Mix (500pcs)

BuggyBeds
8.5 /10
GR Score
The GR Score is an independent rating system developed by our editorial team. Scores range from 0 to 10 and are based on data collected across performance, value, reliability, and user feedback - free from any influence by manufacturers or sales partners. Learn more ›
Updated: Sep 26, 2026
Last update on Sep 26, 2026 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API.
Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Vibrant mix of colors for an attractive garden
  • Extended blooming season for continuous color
  • Versatile for various planting locations and light conditions
  • Low-maintenance and naturally pest-resistant
  • Generous quantity of seeds for multiple plantings

Cons

  • Requires initial planting effort
  • Annuals need replanting each year
Detailed Review

The BuggyBeds Marigold Flower Seeds Mix offers a fantastic opportunity to infuse your garden with vibrant, cheerful colors. This generous package contains 500 premium quality seeds, promising a beautiful blend of orange, yellow, and gold marigold varieties that will create a stunning display from late spring right through to fall.

These marigolds are celebrated for their long blooming season, providing continuous colorful garden interest and a steady supply of fresh cut flowers for months. Their versatility is a major advantage, thriving equally well in borders, containers, and traditional garden beds. They are also remarkably hardy annuals, capable of flourishing in both full sun and partial shade conditions, making them adaptable to various garden settings.

One of the most appealing aspects of this seed mix is the easy care required. Marigolds are naturally low-maintenance flowers, known for being pest-resistant and drought-tolerant once established. This makes them an ideal choice for both novice and experienced gardeners looking for beautiful blooms without extensive effort. The 500 seeds allow for multiple flower patches or succession planting, ensuring a continuous burst of color throughout the growing season.

While marigolds are annuals and will need to be replanted each year, their prolific flowering and ease of growth make this a small trade-off for the spectacular display they provide. For anyone looking to add a splash of long-lasting, low-effort color to their outdoor spaces, the BuggyBeds Marigold Flower Seeds Mix is an excellent and rewarding choice.

2
Editor's Pick

MIXRUGBACWATER Gazania Seeds

MIXRUGBACWATER
8.5 /10
GR Score
The GR Score is an independent rating system developed by our editorial team. Scores range from 0 to 10 and are based on data collected across performance, value, reliability, and user feedback - free from any influence by manufacturers or sales partners. Learn more ›
Updated: Sep 27, 2026
Last update on Sep 27, 2026 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API.
Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Visual appeal with gigantic, vibrant, multicolored blooms
  • Reliable and low-spreading plants for consistent coverage
  • Early and long bloom season provides continuous color
  • Tolerates all soil types and requires moderate watering
  • Reseeds easily for continued growth in subsequent seasons

Cons

  • Considered an annual in Northern climates
  • No specific information on germination rates provided
Detailed Review

The MIXRUGBACWATER Gazania Seeds offer a fantastic opportunity to introduce a burst of vibrant color and enduring beauty to your outdoor spaces. These perennial mix seeds are designed to produce stunning Gazania flowers, known for their large, multicolored blooms that can reach up to 4 inches in diameter. The plants themselves are compact, growing 8-10 inches tall with a spread of 6-8 inches, making them an excellent choice for various gardening applications.

What truly sets this Gazania mix apart is its remarkable reliability and low-maintenance nature. Native to South Africa, these plants are inherently drought-tolerant and thrive in full sun, making them suitable for gardeners in many regions. They are incredibly versatile, perfect for creating a generous bedding ground cover, adding a splash of color to hanging baskets, or enhancing sunny patio containers. The blooms blaze with vibrant hues from early summer until the first frost, ensuring a long season of visual delight.

These Gazania seeds are particularly well-suited for gardeners looking for an easy-to-grow option that delivers significant impact. Their ability to tolerate all soil types and thrive with moderate watering simplifies the cultivation process. Furthermore, they are known to reseed easily, potentially providing continuous beauty year after year. While they perform as short-lived perennials in the South, they are typically considered annuals in northern climates.

Despite their many advantages, potential buyers should note that specific germination rates are not provided in the product description. However, their overall hardiness and ease of growth suggest a high likelihood of success for most gardeners. For anyone seeking a robust, colorful, and drought-tolerant flower to brighten their garden, the MIXRUGBACWATER Gazania Seeds are a compelling choice.

3
Limited Time

GardenGlorySeed 300+ Mixed Celosia Seeds

GardenGlorySeed
8.1 /10
GR Score
The GR Score is an independent rating system developed by our editorial team. Scores range from 0 to 10 and are based on data collected across performance, value, reliability, and user feedback - free from any influence by manufacturers or sales partners. Learn more ›
Updated: Sep 27, 2026
Last update on Sep 27, 2026 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API.
Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Unique and visually striking velvety blooms
  • Highly tolerant of heat, humidity, and full sun
  • Extended blooming period provides continuous color
  • Versatile for garden beds, borders, and containers
  • Low maintenance and easy to grow for all skill levels

Cons

  • Requires full sun and well-drained, fertile soil
  • Needs consistent watering until established
  • Annual plant, requiring replanting each year
Detailed Review

The GardenGlorySeed 300+ Mixed Celosia Seeds offer an exciting opportunity to introduce unique texture and vibrant color into your garden. These seeds produce Celosia plants known for their distinctive fan-shaped, velvety blooms that resemble coral or brain-like forms. Perfect for gardeners looking to add an unusual and eye-catching element to their landscape, these flowers are sure to be a conversation starter.

One of the most significant advantages of these Celosia seeds is their remarkable heat tolerance. While many other flowers wilt in the scorching summer sun, these heat-loving annuals thrive in hot, dry, and humid conditions, providing reliable color when other plants fade. Their long-lasting blooms appear from summer through fall, ensuring your garden remains vibrant for months. They are also excellent for cutting and drying, allowing you to enjoy their beauty indoors long after the growing season.

Cultivating these Celosia is straightforward, making them suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners. They require full sun exposure and well-drained, fertile soil, with consistent watering until established to prevent overwatering. The plants are ideal for garden beds, borders, containers, and even dedicated cut flower gardens. With 300+ non-GMO seeds, you'll have plenty to create a stunning display and attract beneficial pollinators to your outdoor space.

While they are annuals and will need to be replanted each spring, their spectacular and enduring display throughout the warmest months makes them a worthwhile addition to any garden. If you're seeking a resilient, low-maintenance flower that stands out with its unique form and thrives in intense heat, the GardenGlorySeed Celosia seeds are an excellent choice.

4
Top Rated

CarpetC Cape Daisy Seeds 150 Count Heat-Loving

GardenGlorySeed
8.1 /10
GR Score
The GR Score is an independent rating system developed by our editorial team. Scores range from 0 to 10 and are based on data collected across performance, value, reliability, and user feedback - free from any influence by manufacturers or sales partners. Learn more ›
Updated: Sep 3, 2026
Last update on Sep 3, 2026 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API.
Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Produces showy, long-lasting flowers
  • Drought and deer resistant
  • Compact habit ideal for containers
  • Attracts pollinators
  • Good value with 150 seeds

Cons

  • Some seeds may have low germination rate
  • Not perennial in colder zones (annual only)
  • Requires full sun for best blooms
Detailed Review

The CarpetC 150+ Cape Daisy Seeds offer an excellent opportunity to grow vibrant, heat-loving Osteospermum ecklonis in your garden. These seeds produce large, daisy-like blooms measuring 2 to 2.5 inches across, with contrasting centers that add striking color to sunny borders, containers, and mass plantings. The compact, mounded plants grow 10-14 inches tall and flower from spring through fall, providing months of cheerful display.

This product is ideal for gardeners in USDA zones 9-11 where it thrives as a perennial, but it can also be grown as an annual in cooler regions. The seeds are easy to start indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost or direct sow after danger of frost. Germination typically takes 7-14 days at 64-72°F. Once established, these daisies are drought tolerant and deer resistant, making them a low-maintenance choice for hot, sunny locations with well-drained soil.

The standout features include the extended bloom season, pollinator-friendly flowers, and suitability for cut flower arrangements. However, some users have reported poor germination rates, so it's wise to sow extra seeds to ensure a good stand. Overall, these seeds are a great value for adding reliable, colorful blooms to your garden with minimal effort.

5

HOME GROWN Moss Rose Portulaca Seeds 23,500+

HOMEGROWN
7.9 /10
GR Score
The GR Score is an independent rating system developed by our editorial team. Scores range from 0 to 10 and are based on data collected across performance, value, reliability, and user feedback - free from any influence by manufacturers or sales partners. Learn more ›
Updated: Sep 10, 2026
Last update on Sep 10, 2026 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API.
Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Exceptional value with over 23,500 seeds per pack
  • Thrives in full sun and poor soil with minimal watering
  • Fast germination and easy for beginners
  • Long blooming season from summer to fall
  • Attracts beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies

Cons

  • Seeds need light to germinate; cannot be covered with soil
  • Annual plant requires replanting each year
  • May attract occasional aphids in some conditions
Detailed Review

The HOME GROWN Moss Rose Portulaca Seeds pack is a fantastic choice for gardeners looking to add vibrant, low-maintenance color to sunny outdoor spaces. With over 23,500 seeds of Portulaca grandiflora, this bulk pack provides excellent value for covering large areas, filling containers, or creating a dense ground cover. These annual flowers produce a stunning array of colors including red, pink, orange, yellow, white, and purple, blooming continuously from summer through fall.

This product is ideal for beginner gardeners, eco-conscious growers, and anyone seeking a drought-tolerant solution for hot, sunny climates. The seeds thrive in dry, sandy, or rocky soils, making them perfect for xeriscaping, rock beds, and areas with limited water. They require full sun (6-8 hours daily) and minimal maintenance, making them a worry-free option for busy homeowners.

Standout features include fast germination in 7-14 days, with plants reaching 4-8 inches in height and spreading up to 12 inches wide. The dense mat of foliage and flowers works beautifully as ground cover, along pathways, or in hanging baskets. Additionally, these blooms attract bees and butterflies, supporting local biodiversity. The pack also includes a bonus grow guide for easy sowing.

While the seeds are easy to grow, they do need light to germinate and should not be covered with soil. As annuals, they must be replanted each year. Some gardeners may encounter occasional aphids, though the plants are generally pest-resistant. Overall, this is a reliable, high-value choice for creating a colorful, resilient garden with minimal effort.

6

CarpetC Celosia Seeds for Planting - 100+ Non-GMO Seeds

GardenGlorySeed
7.8 /10
GR Score
The GR Score is an independent rating system developed by our editorial team. Scores range from 0 to 10 and are based on data collected across performance, value, reliability, and user feedback - free from any influence by manufacturers or sales partners. Learn more ›
Updated: Sep 26, 2026
Last update on Sep 26, 2026 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API.
Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Vibrant, flame-like blooms add intense color.
  • Heat-loving and drought tolerant, ideal for summer.
  • Extended blooming period provides months of color.
  • Versatile for beds, containers, and cut flowers.
  • Low maintenance and suitable for beginners.

Cons

  • Requires full sun exposure (6+ hours daily).
  • Needs well-drained, fertile soil for optimal growth.
  • Moderate watering required, avoid overwatering.
Detailed Review

The CarpetC Celosia Seeds offer an exciting opportunity to transform your garden with dazzling color and intriguing texture. These Celosia plumosa 'Glow Series' seeds produce annual plants known for their distinctive feathery, flame-like flower heads. They are a fantastic choice for gardeners looking to inject intense visual interest into their outdoor spaces, from garden beds and borders to patio containers and dedicated cut flower patches.

Designed to thrive in challenging summer heat, these celosias are a heat-loving variety that will continue to bloom vibrantly when many other flowers begin to fade. Growing to a compact 10-12 inches tall with a tidy branching habit, they are perfect for adding bold, vertical accents without overcrowding. The long blooming season, extending from midsummer all the way through fall, ensures a continuous display of color, making them a rewarding addition for sustained garden beauty.

Gardeners of all experience levels will appreciate the low-maintenance nature of these Celosia seeds. They prefer full sun exposure (at least 6 hours daily) and well-drained, fertile soil, with moderate watering needs. Their resilience, combined with their striking appearance, makes them a reliable choice for adding a touch of the exotic to any garden setting. Beyond their garden appeal, the blooms hold exceptionally well when cut, allowing you to bring their unique beauty indoors for fresh or dried floral arrangements.

7

WivolibeSeeds 300 Gazania Seeds Mix Heat & Drought Tolerant

WivolibeSeeds
6.6 /10
GR Score
The GR Score is an independent rating system developed by our editorial team. Scores range from 0 to 10 and are based on data collected across performance, value, reliability, and user feedback - free from any influence by manufacturers or sales partners. Learn more ›
Updated: Sep 3, 2026
Last update on Sep 3, 2026 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API.
Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Large 4-inch vibrant blooms
  • Heat and drought tolerant
  • Long blooming season from summer to frost
  • Versatile for ground cover or containers
  • Attracts pollinators

Cons

  • Short-lived perennial in the South
  • Requires full sun for best performance
  • Moderate watering needed
Detailed Review

The WivolibeSeeds 300 Gazania Seeds Mix offers a vibrant and resilient addition to any garden. These seeds produce multicolored 4-inch flowers that bloom from early summer until frost, covering compact 8-10 inch plants that spread 6-8 inches. The mix includes solid colors like bright yellow, orange, red, pink, and white, as well as striking striped or ringed combinations.

This product is ideal for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance, heat and drought tolerant ground cover or container plant. Gazania thrives in full sun and tolerates a variety of soil types with moderate watering. It is especially well-suited for southern climates where it blooms profusely in fall, winter, and late spring, with intermittent summer blooms.

Key features include its ability to attract pollinators, reseed easily, and serve as a reliable bedding plant or hanging basket filler. The seeds are GMO-free and easy to grow, making them suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners.

While the plant is a short-lived perennial in the South and an annual in the North, its reseeding habit ensures ongoing color. The only drawbacks are its need for full sun and moderate watering, but these are typical for most flowering plants.

Overall, the WivolibeSeeds Gazania Mix is a cost-effective and visually rewarding choice for adding long-lasting, colorful blooms to sunny garden spots.

Buying Guide for 2026

Heat and Drought Tolerance

When selecting annuals for pots in full sun, the plant’s ability to withstand high temperatures and periods of dryness is paramount. Many annuals, while beautiful, will quickly wilt or cease blooming if exposed to prolonged, intense sunlight without adequate moisture. Our top picks, such as Gazanias and Moss Roses, excel in these conditions, maintaining their vigor and vibrant blooms even during the hottest summer months. These varieties are ideal for gardeners seeking low-maintenance options that don’t require constant attention.

Consider the specific microclimate of your patio or balcony. South-facing spots receive the most intense sun, demanding plants with exceptional heat and drought resilience. North-facing areas, while still full sun, might be slightly less extreme, allowing for a broader range of choices. Always check the plant’s description for its preferred light and water requirements to ensure it matches your specific conditions.

Bloom Time and Longevity

For container gardens, continuous and long-lasting blooms are often a priority. Annuals that flower profusely from late spring until the first frost provide the most visual impact. Marigolds and Celosias, for instance, are known for their extended blooming seasons, offering months of color. Some varieties, like certain Cape Daisies, may have slightly shorter individual bloom cycles but produce new flowers rapidly, ensuring a continuous display.

When choosing, think about whether you prefer a consistent, uniform bloom or if you enjoy the dynamic change of different flowers appearing throughout the season. Varieties with a longer blooming season often require less deadheading (removing spent flowers) to encourage new growth, making them a convenient choice for busy gardeners. For more ideas on how to maximize your floral displays, explore our guide on the best flowers for hanging planters.

Growth Habit and Size

The growth habit of an annual is crucial for container gardening. Some plants are naturally compact and mounding, perfect for smaller pots or the front of a larger arrangement. Others, like certain Celosias, have an upright, feathery growth that adds height and texture. Sprawling varieties, such as Moss Roses, are excellent for cascading over the edges of pots or as ground cover in larger containers.

Consider the mature size of the plant and how it will interact with other plants in the same pot. Overcrowding can lead to poor air circulation and nutrient competition, hindering growth. Aim for a mix of “thriller, filler, and spiller” plants to create a balanced and visually appealing container arrangement. This thoughtful approach ensures your annuals have enough space to thrive.

Maintenance Requirements

While all annuals require some care, certain varieties are considerably lower maintenance than others. Drought-tolerant options, for example, reduce the frequency of watering. Pest and disease resistance also play a significant role in minimizing your gardening effort. Marigolds are well-known for their natural pest-repelling properties, making them a gardener’s favorite.

If you prefer a hands-off approach, look for annuals that don’t require frequent deadheading or specialized feeding schedules. Moss Roses and Gazanias are prime examples of low-maintenance annuals that still deliver spectacular color. Understanding these distinctions will allow you to choose annuals that fit your lifestyle and gardening commitment.

Quick Comparison: Side by Side

Products
BuggyBeds Marigold Flower Seeds Mix (500pcs)
BuggyBeds Marigold Flower…
HOME GROWN Moss Rose Portulaca Seeds 23,500+
HOME GROWN Moss Rose Port…
CarpetC Celosia Seeds for Planting - 100+ Non-GMO Seeds
CarpetC Celosia Seeds for…
CarpetC Cape Daisy Seeds 150 Count Heat-Loving
CarpetC Cape Daisy Seeds …
WivolibeSeeds 300 Gazania Seeds Mix Heat & Drought Tolerant
WivolibeSeeds 300 Gazania…
MIXRUGBACWATER Gazania Seeds
MIXRUGBACWATER Gazania Se…
GardenGlorySeed 300+ Mixed Celosia Seeds
GardenGlorySeed 300+ Mixe…
Pros
  • – Vibrant mix of colors for an attractive garden.
  • – Extended blooming season for continuous color.
  • – Versatile for various planting locations and light conditions.
  • – Exceptional value with over 23,500 seeds per pack.
  • – Thrives in full sun and poor soil with minimal watering.
  • – Fast germination and easy for beginners.
  • – Vibrant, flame-like blooms add intense color.
  • – Heat-loving and drought tolerant, ideal for summer.
  • – Extended blooming period provides months of color.
  • – Produces showy, long-lasting flowers.
  • – Drought and deer resistant.
  • – Compact habit ideal for containers.
  • – Large 4-inch vibrant blooms.
  • – Heat and drought tolerant.
  • – Long blooming season from summer to frost.
  • – Visual appeal with gigantic, vibrant, multicolored blooms.
  • – Reliable and low-spreading plants for consistent coverage.
  • – Early and long bloom season provides continuous color.
  • – Unique and visually striking velvety blooms.
  • – Highly tolerant of heat, humidity, and full sun.
  • – Extended blooming period provides continuous color.
Cons
  • – Requires initial planting effort.
  • – Annuals need replanting each year.
  • – Seeds need light to germinate; cannot be covered with soil.
  • – Annual plant requires replanting each year.
  • – May attract occasional aphids in some conditions.
  • – Requires full sun exposure (6+ hours daily).
  • – Needs well-drained, fertile soil for optimal growth.
  • – Moderate watering required, avoid overwatering.
  • – Some seeds may have low germination rate.
  • – Not perennial in colder zones (annual only).
  • – Requires full sun for best blooms.
  • – Short-lived perennial in the South.
  • – Requires full sun for best performance.
  • – Moderate watering needed.
  • – Considered an annual in Northern climates.
  • – No specific information on germination rates provided.
  • – Requires full sun and well-drained, fertile soil.
  • – Needs consistent watering until established.
  • – Annual plant, requiring replanting each year.

Why Trust Our Reviews

At Garden2Review.com, our recommendations for the best annuals for pots in full sun are rooted in a thorough, data-driven approach. We analyze product specifications, evaluate key features like heat tolerance and blooming periods, and synthesize extensive user feedback from gardeners across various climates. Our goal is to provide objective, reliable insights that empower you to make informed decisions for your garden.

We do not claim to conduct hands-on product testing. Instead, our expert team leverages a comprehensive understanding of horticulture and consumer experiences to identify top-performing products. As an Amazon affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases, but this never influences our unbiased selections. Our commitment is to deliver trustworthy content that helps you cultivate a beautiful and thriving garden.

Our Final Picks for 2026

Best Overall: HOME GROWN Moss Rose Portulaca Seeds 23,500+

These moss rose seeds produce an abundance of vibrant, low-growing blooms that thrive in intense heat and drought conditions, making them an ideal choice for sunny pots. With over 23,500 seeds, you can create extensive, colorful displays that attract pollinators throughout the season. They are remarkably low-maintenance and beginner-friendly. Skip this if you prefer tall, upright blooms rather than a spreading ground cover.

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Best Value: BuggyBeds Marigold Flower Seeds Mix (500pcs)

This generous pack of 500 marigold seeds offers exceptional value, providing a vibrant mix of orange, yellow, and gold blooms that are perfect for borders and containers. Marigolds are known for their long blooming season, natural pest resistance, and ease of care, flourishing in full sun. They are a reliable choice for consistent color. Skip this if you prefer unique textures or very tall flower spikes.

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Best for Unique Texture: CarpetC Celosia Seeds for Planting – 100+ Non-GMO Seeds

The CarpetC Celosia seeds produce vibrant, feathery, flame-like blooms that add striking texture and vertical interest to any container garden. These heat-loving annuals thrive in hot summer conditions, offering a long blooming season from midsummer through fall. They are also excellent for cut flower arrangements. Skip this if you prefer a more traditional, daisy-like bloom shape.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which annuals for pots in full sun should I buy in 2026?

When deciding which annuals for pots in full sun to buy, consider your local climate, the size of your pots, and your desired aesthetic. Look for varieties known for their heat and drought tolerance, such as Moss Roses (Portulaca), Gazanias, or certain types of Marigolds. These options generally provide continuous color with minimal fuss, making them excellent choices for sunny locations.

How much sun do annuals for pots need?

Annuals designated for “full sun” typically require at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive and produce abundant blooms. Some heat-loving varieties can even tolerate eight or more hours of intense sun. Ensure your chosen location provides adequate exposure to maximize their growth and flowering potential.

What makes an annual good for pots?

Good annuals for pots are usually compact, have a long blooming season, and are relatively low-maintenance. They should also have a strong root system that adapts well to confined spaces and ideally possess some drought tolerance, as pots tend to dry out faster than garden beds. Considerations like bloom color and texture also contribute to their suitability for container displays.

Can I mix different annuals in one pot?

Absolutely! Mixing different annuals is a popular technique for creating dynamic and visually interesting container arrangements. The key is to choose plants with similar light and water requirements. A common design approach is to include a “thriller” (a tall, central plant), “fillers” (mounding plants around the thriller), and “spillers” (trailing plants that cascade over the pot’s edge). For more inspiration, check out our guide on the best flowers for boxes.

Have questions about our annuals for pots in full sun recommendations? Check out our How We Rank page for details on our review process or our Copyright Policy for information on content usage.