My "Emerald" artichokes over-wintered just fine. I planted seed in July and they grew very slowly in high desert heat. They were still small when winter arived. Temps were down in the teens a few times and in the 20's frequently.

The plants have grown exponentially larger over the past two months, now 3 to 4 feet in diameter.

Perhaps this "Globe" cultivar has a different cold tolerance? I think you should see growth by now.

The problem that Austinites and people like me in the zone 7/8 had a much colder winter than usual, but with that said. it's still early for things to be coming out. If your plants feel mushy all the way to the root, they are probably gone but I watched Central Texas Gardener over the weekend and the "experts" said to wait a little longer before ripping everything out...For Artichokes, I'd be willing to wait at least until everything else starts coming out. My lantanas arn't even showing new growth above ground yet..I say wait a week or two at least.

Heck this early, we could even have another freeze.

Thanks Ruthieg. I'm probably going to let it go for right now, I ordered new plants from Hirts and will probably try to plant them in a separate area. Later I can use the box for something else.