The artichokes I've seen that are doing well are in some pretty good sun. In fact the largest ones I've seen were growing inland where it was downright hot. I, too, have tried to grow them, more than once. Honestly I think they are picky. Picky about soil, and picky about water PH. Those giant artichokes I mentioned . . . they were completely inedible, I think it was the alkaline water, they tasted like alum. The ones I grew, well they got so buggy I just gave up. I think if you really want to grow them you will need to do some serious research.
