Under certain conditions, the ethylene gas released by the natural ripening process of particular fruits and vegetables can shorten the flower life of particular cut flowers, inhibit the development of immature flower buds, and damage developing flower bulbs. Ethylene gas is a naturally-occurring plant hormone. It is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas released during the natural ripening process of fruits and vegetables.
People often store bulbs in refrigerators prior to planting.
Tulipa 'Kees Nelis' is totally insensitive, whereas T. 'Paul Richter' is extremely sensitive.