Just leave it till the plant withers and dies off, if frost come first then pull it.It needs to be fully mature to store.
Cure in a warm place, outside is fine if weather permits, it will be cured when your fingernail pressed into the skin leaves no mark
Store in a cool place .
The flavour improves in storage as the starches turn to sugar so after pulling it needs at least a couple or three weeks minimum in storage, it will get better if left longer.
Wipe it down wth a 10% bleach solution to kill any bacteria.
Leave a long stem on it and don't carry it by the stem.
You can pick it earlier, it would be a shame though as it won't have as good a flavour.
If you wish to save seeds the plant has to be fully mature
XX Jeannine
