Dahlia 'Formby Stacey' Tuber: Growing Tips
By The Diggers Club - Australia's No.1 Gardening Club | Published: 2026-10-28
Category: Product Reviews
Learn how to grow Dahlia 'Formby Stacey' from a tuber, with step-by-step planting, watering, and staking tips for a stunning two-tone display.
Quick answer
Plant your Dahlia 'Formby Stacey' tuber in spring after the last frost, in well-drained soil with full sun, and water deeply but infrequently for the best two-tone blooms.
Why 'Formby Stacey' is worth growing
Dahlia 'Formby Stacey' stands out with its cream-white petals tipped in vibrant cerise pink. Each bloom has a unique color pattern, so no two flowers are exactly alike. This makes it a real showstopper in borders and a gorgeous addition to cut-flower arrangements.
Because it's a tuber, it's easy to store and replant year after year. The main trade-off is that tubers are not frost-hardy, so you'll need to lift and store them in colder regions.
Step-by-step growing guide
- Choose the right spot: Select a sunny location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight and well-drained soil. Avoid areas where water pools after rain, as tubers can rot in soggy ground. Check drainage before planting by digging a small hole and filling it with water; if it doesn't drain within an hour, amend the soil.
- Plant the tuber: In spring after the last frost, dig a hole about 10-15 cm deep and place the tuber horizontally with the 'eyes' (growth points) facing up. Cover with soil and water gently. Label the planting spot so you don't accidentally dig it up before shoots appear.
- Water wisely: Water thoroughly after planting, then let the soil dry slightly between waterings. Once the plant is established, water deeply once or twice a week, more in hot weather. Overwatering is the most common mistake; always check soil moisture before watering.
- Support the stems: Insert a sturdy stake at planting time or when shoots are young. As the plant grows, tie stems loosely to the stake to prevent breakage under the weight of the large blooms. Staking early avoids damaging roots later.
- Deadhead for more blooms: Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming. Cut back to a leaf node to keep the plant tidy and productive. Don't leave dead heads on the plant; they reduce flowering.
- Lift and store in cold climates: After the first frost blackens the foliage, cut the stems back, carefully lift the tubers, and let them dry. Store in a cool, dry place in peat moss or paper bags until next spring. In frost-free regions, you can leave tubers in the ground with a thick mulch.
Product facts
- Dahlia 'Formby Stacey' Tuber: Cream-white dahlia delicately tipped in vibrant cerise pink, with each bloom having its own unique color pattern. This means every flower is a one-of-a-kind showstopper, making it ideal for gardeners who want a distinctive display and unique cut flowers.
Dahlia 'Formby Stacey' Tuber
