Why Do Sunflowers Droop? Plus Expert Tips for Making Them Stand Tall

There aren’t too many plants that say summer quite like sunflowers. These bright and happy yellow blooms coincide with long days, barbecues, and corn on the cob. Yet, while these plants are a favorite of humans and pollinators alike, there’s nothing that can ruin your summer garden quite like seeing your once tall and proud sunflowers slumped over and facing the ground!

This phenomenon happens often with this plant and can be caused by a few different issues, some of which are very easy to fix. Take a look at what our expert says you need to do if you notice your sunflowers are looking a bit worse for wear. 

Why Do Sunflowers Droop?

Nobody likes to see their sunflowers flopping over—and according to Nancy Awot-Traut, a horticulture specialist at Burpee, there can be several reasons why this happens. She said to get to the bottom of things, you’ll need to assess your plant to understand the root cause (no pun intended) of the problem so you can quickly address it. 

Water Stress

"Insufficient water can cause sunflowers to wilt and droop their heads," says Awot-Traut, who notes that the wrong amount of moisture can cause several problems. "Conversely, overwatering can also lead to drooping due to root suffocation or nutrient imbalance."

Weak Plants

If your sunflower’s stem is weak in any way, Awot-Traut says it will not be able to support the flower, which could cause it to droop or slump over. 

Not Enough Sun

When the word "sun" is in the name, you know these flowers thrive on getting all the light they can, which is why a lack of sunlight can be detrimental to the blooms. "Sunflowers naturally orient themselves toward the sun, a phenomenon known as heliotropism," Awot-Traut says. "If they don't receive enough sunlight, their heads may droop as they try to maximize sun exposure."

Growth Cycle

Sunflowers are predominantly annual plants, which Awot-Traut says means they will die back at the end of their growing season. "Even the most perfectly maintained sunflowers will begin to droop at the end of their growing cycle," she says.

Natural Drooping

And then there are those sunflowers that droop because they just can’t help themselves! "Some sunflower varieties are naturally more prone to droop than others due to genetic factors influencing stem strength and flower structure," Awot-Traut says.

What to Do If Your Sunflowers Are Drooping

Fortunately, a little bit of drooping doesn’t mean that your flowers are doomed. There are actually a few different things you can do to get your sunflowers standing tall again. For example, if your sunflower is a multi-head type, Awot-Traut says you can remove the spent flower to help lighten the top part of the plant a bit. "If the plant is weak, providing support to the drooping head can help get the flowers up again," she says. Sometimes you can use a stake and some twine or old pantyhose to help keep these flowers upright. 

And, when it appears that Mother Nature is behind the droop, Awot-Traut says you can give your flowers a little extra TLC to get them looking better. "If the heads are drooping due to environmental factors such as wind damage, providing gentle support such as securing them with soft ties until they recover can be helpful."

But, sadly, that doesn’t mean all sunflowers can be saved once they begin to droop. For some, it’s just a natural conclusion to a life well lived. "Unfortunately, once a sunflower begins to reach the end of its growth cycle, there’s not much you can do to stop it, as this is a natural part of the sunflower’s life," says Awot-Traut.

How to Prevent Your Sunflowers From Drooping

There are a few ways to get ahead of the droop, says Awot-Traut.

Choose Small-Headed Varieties

Sunflower varieties such as Candy Mountain Hybrid or Italian White are less likely to have their blooms fall under their own weight because they feature smaller heads.

Use Well-Drained Soil—and Don't Over-fertilize

"Plant sunflowers in well-drained soil to prevent them from being waterlogged, which can weaken the roots and cause drooping," Awot-Traut says, adding that a low nitrogen organic fertilizer will provide plants with essential nutrients that can also have them looking and feeling their best—just don't overdo it. "Do not over-fertilize the plant, which can produce weak growth," she says.

Add Mulch

Mulch can also help with moisture issues (and more). Awot-Traut suggests adding a layer of organic mulch can not only help with any water-related drooping but can also help retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds, further reducing the stress on plants.

Routinely Prune Your Flowers

Routine pruning can also give your sunflowers a bit more life, so cutting back those dead or dying blooms and leaves is a must. "This will help redirect the plant’s energy toward healthy growth and flower production," Awot-Traut says.

Ensure Proper Care

Lastly, Awot-Traut says ensuring proper care for your sunflower is essential to prevent drooping. "Proper care includes the right amount of water and sunlight, pest and disease control, and nutrient-rich soil," she says.