Growing Non-GMO Black Parrot Tulip Flower Bulbs

Plant Black Parrot bulbs in the fall, about 6-8 weeks before the first hard frost, in a location with full sun and well-drained, fertile soil. Dig holes 6-7 inches deep and space the bulbs 4-6 inches apart with the pointed end facing up. Water thoroughly after planting. Black Parrot requires 12-16 weeks of cool temperatures below 50 F to bloom reliably — this occurs naturally when planted outdoors in fall in zones 3-8. Because parrot tulip blooms are large and somewhat heavy, a sheltered planting spot protected from strong winds is worth considering to prevent stem damage during late-spring storms.

After flowering, remove spent blooms but allow the foliage to die back naturally so the bulbs can store energy for the following season. Apply a balanced fertilizer in fall at planting and again in early spring as foliage emerges. Black Parrot can be reliably perennial in zones 3-8 with proper care, though many gardeners in warmer zones treat tulips as annuals and replant each fall for the most consistent display.

What Does Pre-Cooled Mean?

Pre-cooled bulbs have been stored at a consistent temperature of 41 F in a refrigerator before shipping. This process is particularly beneficial for gardeners in warmer climates, zones 8-10, where natural winter temperatures are not cold enough to meet tulips' dormancy requirements. Tulips need 12-16 weeks at temperatures below 50 F to bloom effectively. Depending on your region, some additional chilling after receiving the bulbs may be needed to ensure successful blooming.

Black Parrot Tulip in the Flower Garden

Black Parrot is a parrot tulip — a class defined by deeply lacinated, feathered, and ruffled petals that twist and curl as the flower opens, creating a sculptural silhouette unlike any other tulip form. The petals are a deep burgundy-purple that appears nearly black in most garden lighting, with darker edging that intensifies the effect. The flowers are lightly fragrant and open fully in bright sun, revealing the full drama of their ruffled interior. As a cut flower, Black Parrot is exceptional — the architectural form and dark color make it a favorite of floral designers working in moody, high-contrast, or romantic styles. It blooms among the last of the spring tulips, extending the season into late May.

Landscape Use of Black Parrot Tulip

Black Parrot works beautifully in borders, beds, and containers, and creates a particularly striking effect when planted in large drifts or combined with contrasting colors — bright yellows, pale creams, and soft pinks all set off the near-black blooms dramatically. It pairs naturally with late-blooming alliums and early summer perennials. For cut flower use, harvest when the buds are just beginning to show color and the petals are still partly furled — the dramatic unfurling as the flower opens is part of the appeal in the vase.

About Black Parrot Tulip Garden Bulbs

Black Parrot was introduced in 1937 by Dutch breeder C. Keur and Sons and registered with the KAVB — the Royal General Association for Bulb Culture, which serves as the international registration authority for tulips. Nearly ninety years later, it remains one of the most recognized and widely grown parrot tulips in the world, a testament to the enduring appeal of its form and color.

Parrot tulips as a class have been prized since the 17th century, when their extraordinary feathered and flamed forms made them among the most coveted varieties during Tulip Mania in the 1630s. The ruffled, lacinated petal form in parrot tulips is the result of a natural mutation that has been selected and stabilized by breeders over centuries.

Tulips contain alkaloid and glycoside compounds that are toxic to humans and pets, including cats and dogs. Ingesting any part of the plant, particularly the bulb, can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The bulbs and foliage can also cause skin irritation — wear gloves when handling.

Make Planting Bulbs Easy with a Bulb Planter Hand Tool!

Tips From Our Gardeners

Black Parrot is one of those flowers that looks best when it is not quite fully open — the half-open bud with its twisting, furled petals is arguably more interesting than the fully opened flower. For the most dramatic vase display, harvest early in the morning when the buds are just beginning to show color, and enjoy the slow unfurling over the next few days.

- Jerry Sawyer, True Leaf Market Writer

Black Parrot Tulip Flower Bulbs Per Package:

• 10 Bulb Bag

Non-GMO Black Parrot Tulip Bulbs are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.