An update on the bell pepper plants that I brought indoors. They were loaded with blossoms, all of which have fallen off (stems and all). Yet, the leaves look very healthy (except for a minor nip from the night before I brought them indoors). I’m even getting new growth of leaves. They really seem to like the east window.
If I can keep them alive through the winter, are they likely to bear next spring when I set them outdoors again?
Yes, if you can keep them a live, they should perk up again outside when temperatures are safe for them again. Your main issue will be them needing MORE light - they need a SOUTH-facing window at a minimum and/or supplemental grow-lights if possible.
Secondly, keep a sharp eye for Whitefly and Aphids. When a plant is stressed, they send out some sort of signal and bugs WILL come and find your peppers. A spray with soapy water should help if you get them - and you probably will. Those yellow sticky traps would be helpful to have to monitor the situation before it gets out of hand.
Mother Nature knows what her ‘children’ need to thrive. She’s a hard one to fool!
One year, I dug up a pepper plant and put it in front of the south west patio door. It actually bloomed and made some fruit during the winter. I didn’t really try to replant it though.