Why Are My Sunflower Leaves Turning Brown And Dying?

Every garden needs sunflowers because they are so beautiful. They are sufficient to liven up even gloomy gardens and come in various colors and sizes. 

Sunflowers can be used in various ways, from oils to seeds. If you have a sunflower plant, you must know how to protect it because sometimes your plant can have brown leaves, and it might start to die.

So, in this article, we will talk about why sunflower leaves are turning brown and dying and what we can do to protect our precious plants.

Reasons why sunflower leaves turning brown

It’s crucial to pinpoint the issue before treating your plants. Where you are growing them is another factor. They might be slightly more sensitive than plants growing outside if they are grown indoors under artificial lighting. Alternatively, there might be an issue with the fertilizer you’re applying. 

Also, sunflowers are a plant that enjoys wetness. New plants are vulnerable to fungal withering without enough water. Sunflowers are attacked by soil-dwelling fungi, which spread upward and produce dark brown patches on the plant’s stem and leaves. Also looking withered and dry are new plants.

Why Is My Sunflower dying?

Sunflowers are easy to maintain for novices because they require little upkeep. However, occasionally you could encounter problems. Your sunflower plants’ leaves could start falling off for no apparent cause. Alternatively, the blossoms might begin to change hues. In addition, some pests are present.

Sunflowers typically recover from setbacks faster than you might anticipate. But you might need to step in if you see the plants drooping and dying for no apparent cause. 

Here are a few typical issues that may be affecting your sunflowers:

Overwatering and Underwatering

Overwatering is the most frequent cause of plant death, while others are. Because they believe the plants will thrive better with a bit of additional care, beginners harm plants by overwatering them. Mainly sunflowers detest wet feet.

They are sensitive to root rot and can’t tolerate too much water. However, they do claim firm roots. So it makes sense to regularly give them a deep watering, but giving them too much water every day will kill them. Your sunflowers will appreciate you for watering just when the topsoil is dry.

It is really uncommon to drown your sunflowers. This is due to their low water requirements. However, you could submerge if you go on vacation and completely disregard the plants.

Nutrient imbalance

For growth, all plants require nutrients. However, anytime there is an excess or shortage of nutrients, plants start to struggle, much like we humans do. Nitrogen is likely the most crucial nutrient among the many others needed. The leaves appear green and healthy, thanks to nitrogen. The stems can’t grow robust because of a lack of nitrogen. 

The plant begins to deteriorate as its leaves turn yellow. Having said that, too much nitrogen is harmful as well. While it keeps producing too many leaves, it can stop the plant from developing blooms.

Excessive Heat

Certainly, sunflowers enjoy the sun. However, it only functions when the temperatures are appropriate. Even in temperatures as high as 30°C, they will continue to grow, but beyond that, they will start to wilt. To shield the plants from the sun’s harsh rays, use a green shade net or comparable. You might also use a fan or an air conditioner to lessen the heat indoors.

Sunlight

Sunlight is the thing that sunflowers require the most. Every day, they have cravings for it. You will need intense lighting that can substitute natural sunshine as much as possible if growing indoors. It’s challenging but achievable. On the other side, extreme heat and sunlight also have adverse effects.

How Can I Stop Sunflower Leaves From Browning?

Sunflower leaves will remain green if you keep your plants in the shade. The sunflowers, though, will start to turn brown if you set the plants in direct sunlight. How can you determine if you need to relocate your sunflowers to a more shaded area? 

Observing them intently over a few weeks is a straightforward method to tell. You’ll know it’s time to move your sunflowers if they start to yellow before turning brown.

How do you revive a dying sunflower?

Indoor sunflowers fighting for their lives may require repotting to give them more room, watering if the soil has been kept dry for an extended period, or fertilizer to give them a boost of nutrients. 

Both indoor and outdoor sunflowers need enough sunlight to grow, and other care practices like mulching, removing damaged leaves and pests immediately and removing dead or damaged flower heads from the stem. If your sunflower is a perennial variety, ensure it is sheltered over the winter so it will come back the following yea

How to care for a dying sunflower plant?

You must determine the problem affecting your sunflowers if you want to save them. To check if pests are the source of the issue, inspect the leaves’ undersides. The pests to watch out for are aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, and thrips. Use a commercial pesticide or prepare your own at home if you find bugs.

As was already indicated, your lovely sunflowers may suffer from several issues. The plants will recover if you catch them in time. However, if you don’t fix your faults, the plant can start to deteriorate. But I hope this article helped you know the reasons behind the dead sunflower plants and how to protect your plant from dying.

FAQ

Why are my sunflower leaves turning yellow and brown?

Yellow sunflower leaves frequently indicate that the plant is overwatered or has inadequate drainage. The plant leaves may turn yellow if it receives too much water from rain or watering. A lack of nitrogen may also be indicated by yellow foliage. And it will turn brown when it’s going to die.

Should I remove brown leaves from the sunflower?

Yes, the fungus is at blame if the plant looks wilted even after getting enough water and has brown stains on its leaves. Unfortunately, there is no easy solution to this issue. If your newly planted sunflowers are infected, you must remove them immediately to stop the illness from spreading.

Should you deadhead a sunflower?

Yes, when the backs of the blooms on your sunflowers are brown, and the plant has completely died back, it’s time to harvest. The seeds are also hefty and a little loose, as you’ll see. One foot down from the flower head, trim the stem with precise scissors or pruners and place it in a large container to catch any stray seeds.

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