I've had the same prob with mine, i had to strip the first lot of leaves from the plant,i then sprayed some insect repelent on the rest of the leaves,i did this every other day for a week. Once i done this i no longer had any probs

No reason to strip leaves....even a chewed leaf is of use to the plant.
Linda C

Sunflowers are always supper-yummy to bugs and critters in my garden. They don't seem to mind and keep on growing and flower just fine.

Tracy

There are brown grasshoppers and katydids, both of which are leaf eaters. But I agree that under usual conditions, a few chewed leaves are to be expected.

Thanks a ton for all the advice guys.... relieved to know that the plant should survive some half eaten leaves... would update on the progress...

Best Wishes,
Sangeetha