<< Am I correct that the artichokes like the cooler winter weather and the lack of rain, followed by a supply of rain but not any noticeable heat...? >> Castroville, Artichoke capital of the world is near Monterey in Central California! Cool fog, not too much heat and glorious artichokes. Mary-Anne, Moderator TomatoFanatics@YahooGroups.com San Francisco Bay Area 25 miles East of SF USDA Zone 9b Sunset Zone 14/15 "Who plants the seed beneath the sod, and waits to see, believes in God."