Yes, we ate our first artichoke last week grown from plants in full sun planted in the fall of 05. We used cotton burr compost and at first thought we were only going to be able to grow 3' plants, but then the edible flower heads began appearing-a great converation piece for Louisiana gardeners. Plants are perennials in this mild winter of 06, but not sure of severe winter hardiness and how they will fare this summer, but will find out and let you know. Fred and Jenn Louisiana