Do Apples Cause Flowers to Die?

Ethylene Gas

• Ethylene gas is an odorless, colorless, tasteless plant hormone that some fruits, such as apples, release as they become ripe. Humans can't detect ethylene gas in the air. Ethylene gas dissipates in open air, but it easily builds up in enclosed spaces, such as refrigerators. Ethylene gas causes cut flowers to age and wither faster, a process called senescence, and prevents immature flower buds on cut flowers from blooming.

Ethylene Gas Producers

• Apples aren't the only type of fruit that produces ethylene gas, although it produces especially high levels of the gas. Peaches, pears, apricots, nectarines, avocados, plums, kiwis, cantaloupes and passion fruit also emit high levels of ethylene gas. Bananas, tomatoes, honeydew melons, figs and mangoes release moderate levels of ethylene gas, while cherries, pineapple, citrus fruits, leafy vegetables, potatoes, cucumbers and blueberries release low levels of the gas. Cut flowers also release low levels of ethylene gas.

Storing Cut Flowers

• Storing cut flowers properly helps them last as long as possible. Recut the bottoms of the stems and put cut flowers in a clean vase filled with water and a commercial flower preserver. Store flowers away from hot or cold drafts, and store flowers in the refrigerator when possible. Do not store cut flowers near fruits, such as a bowl of apples or a bag of apples in the refrigerator. In addition, keep cut flowers away from electronics, such as televisions.

Flower Sensitivity

• Some types of flowers are more sensitive to ethylene gas than others. For example, according to the International Flower Bulb Center, tulips and daffodils are not very sensitive, while carnations are extremely sensitive to ethylene gas. Lilies, dahlias, freesias, Dutch iris, agapanthus, nerine and anemone are moderately sensitive to ethylene gas.