For folks in cold zones, it's kind of a waste of time to try to grow artichokes. Not enough time for them to set blossoms.
But don't give up. Look up 'Vernalization' for growing artichokes. It works. I did (my zone 6 area ).
Artichokes are better if you grow your own, because you can pick them young while they are tender. You can pick them with long stems (the best part). You can pick them with young leaves (also nice tender and tasty). They are also very decorative in your garden landscape.
dcarch
Artichokes from the garden, SV salmon
