Bulb dormancy use to happen to me a lot... Oriental Lily bulbs were regular no shows. When I dug things up I usually would find healthy roots but no shoots. It probably is not an indicator of a cool summer... rather your temperature change was most likely the trigger that the bulbs needed to get started. Were the bulbs purchased in the spring? Perhaps they never experienced a cold period before you purchased and planted them.

Previously, I had attempted Freesias as spring planted bulbs, the results being very unimpressive! Often they'd grow so poorly or only sprout forth in the fall. With excellent results I now grow these in my cool solarium as winter flowering plants. Seems this being more in tune with their natural cycle, though conditions not easily replicated by those without a greenhouse ... but, a cool sunny window just might also do the trick! Some greenhouses and mail order places offer the bulbs in the fall, I must look for some of those nice doubles!

Here's an INDEPTH article regarding their culture. Terry

http://www.dutchbulbs.com/bulblady/may2003/freesia.html