Have Apples Damaged My Bulbs?

Question

I have just found out that bulbs can be damaged if stored near fruit as they give off ethylene gas. I had kept daffodil and tulip bulbs in our garage for a month and about 2 weeks ago my husband put 2 buckets of apples near the bulbs. The bulbs look alright but I don’t know if they will flower normally in the spring. What do you think? I have moved the bulbs now.

Answer 1

As long as the bulbs are still firm and plump, I believe they will bloom normally. Ethylene gas can cause the shoot to begin emerging from the bulb or the formation of a brown, hard deposit, called gummosis, on the outside of the bulb.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/bgen/flower-bulb-shelf-life.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/bgen/bulb-health-guide-how-to-tell-if-a-bulb-is-healthy.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/bgen/chilling-flowering-bulbs.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/fegen/ethylene-gas-information.htm