I started growing Jiaogulan (Gynostemma Pentaphyllum) this summer for tea. It's an herb native to Southern China. There's a lot of info on using the herb online, but not that much at all on growing it.

I started with some a bare root vines given to me, cut them into sections and stuck them in glasses of water until they all grew little roots, then I planted them all. I had no idea if that propagation method would work with Jiaogulan, but it did. Now I have many plants each growing vines. One vine is now growing what looks like little berries. I guess these are the fruit/seeds I've heard about.

My questions are, are the Jiagulan flowers and berries edible also? When is best time to harvest for seed saving? Im in NC zone 7b (almost in 8a). Would it be better to bring the plants inside for the winter, or let them die back and come up again next spring? If leaving them outside, I'll probably take cuttings and put them inside anyway just in case they don't come back, because I now know that will work.

Any info from experienced Jiaogulan growers will be appreciated. Thanks.