Will the leaves grow back?

No, sunflowers do not typically regrow leaves on the lower stem once they have dropped. Focus on keeping the remaining foliage healthy.

Is leaf drop a sign of disease?

Sometimes, but usually it is environmental. Check for white powdery mildew on the remaining leaves, which can cause them to drop prematurely.

Why is my sunflower dropping its leaves? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Observe how many hours of direct sun the plant receives.
Check if the soil is bone dry.
Look for signs of pests on the undersides of leaves.

Likely causes

Insufficient Light
Most likely
How to tell: The lower leaves turn yellow and fall off while the plant looks stretched out.
What to do: Move your sunflower to a location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If growing indoors, place it in the sunniest window available.
Severe Drought
Possible
How to tell: The leaves wilt severely before dropping off entirely.
What to do: Increase your watering frequency to every 2 to 4 days. Ensure you are soaking the soil thoroughly so water reaches the deep roots.

Find out what's wrong with your sunflower

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

It is normal for the very bottom leaves to drop as the sunflower matures and grows taller. Worry if the upper, younger leaves are falling off.

Stopping it coming back

Provide maximum sun exposure and keep the soil moisture consistent.

Keep your sunflower healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Will the leaves grow back?: No, sunflowers do not typically regrow leaves on the lower stem once they have dropped. Focus on keeping the remaining foliage healthy.
Is leaf drop a sign of disease?: Sometimes, but usually it is environmental. Check for white powdery mildew on the remaining leaves, which can cause them to drop prematurely.

Why is my sunflower dropping its leaves?