So which ones do you grow? Have just achieved a seedling of ...

Violette de Provence:
A rather pointed purple globe Artichoke, similar to Green Globe in habit, but with a finer flavour, and attractive large purple thistle-like flowerheads.

also wish to try ...

Green Globe:
The standard, mid-season, highly-productive globe artichoke that is hardier than the rest. With lots of drainage added, you can give this one a go even in the North.

Gros De Laon:
This is quite rare, mid to late season, traditional French variety. It has the largest hearts of any artichoke, fat and delicious

Imperial Star:
An improved green globe thornless artichoke has nice uniform globe round shape, excellent quality for eating, tending to be noticeably sweeter and tenderer than other artichoke varieties.
Apparantly can be planted and harvested in one season ??

Violetta Di Chioggia: is a cardoon!
Perennial. A beautiful and early globe artichoke. Sow now for heavy-cropping, sturdy plants next year

I'm growing green globe... and purple globe Both from the organic catalogue...

In previous years the green globe have been much better