sunflower stem inside

**jimmy cee** 9/7/2015, 10:16 pm

I removed this giant of a sunflower growing in 6 inches of Mel's Mix today, roots travel through 4 squares. Thats what held it up.
When I cut the stem I discovered a dark soft substance inside with tiny thin meal worm looking bugs inside.
Any ideas as to what they are?
sunflower stem inside Sunfst10

**sanderson** 9/8/2015, 12:35 am

Stem borer? http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=sunflower+stem+borers&qs=AS&sk=&FORM=QBIRMH&pq=sunflower%20stem%20bor&sc=1-18&sp=1&qs=AS&sk=

**jimmy cee** 9/8/2015, 12:50 pm

Thank you

**Scorpio Rising** 9/8/2015, 3:23 pm

Jimmy, did the bugs seem to affect the plant's health?

**jimmy cee** 9/8/2015, 5:06 pm

Not in the slightest, this sunflower was 8 feet off the Mel's Mix and I had to saw it down with a tree saw.
I bet the head was at least 5 lbs. just unbelievable it would grow in 6 inches, I just had to try it..although I won't do it again in a veggie bed.
sunflower stem inside Sunday10

**Scorpio Rising** 9/8/2015, 5:42 pm

Quite the specimen, Jimmy! Sunflowers naturally have porous innards, so maybe somebody moved an and helped clean it out!

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