Anemic sunflower plants?

Question

I have planted sunflowers in flower boxes around my deck. They've come up to about 3feet in height and are starting to get dead brown leaves on the lowest part of the stem. The leaves on the rest of the stem are a light green and I was wondering if this is normal.

Answer 1

try a high nitrogen fertilizer

Answer 2

pinch off the lower leaves, water well and add a little fertilizer.  

Good luck!!