There are different varieties of artichokes : some are annuals , some perrenials.
The artichoke fruit that is consumed is really an immature flowering bud .
Both can be induced to the flowering bud , but it depends on timeing of seeding , and exposure to cold/light frost ... called ' vernalization'.
Good General information :
www.http://gardening.about.com/od/vegetables/p/Artichokes-Tips-For-Growing-Artichokes-Just-About-Anywhere.htm
Good general information on care of artichokes , includes recipies, maintenance , winter care , reccomended varieties ,etc.
Another good source for information :
www.http://www.veggiegardeningtips.com/growing-artichokes-in-spite-of-mother-nature/
"You can provide this chilling experience by exposing your artichoke seedlings to outdoor temperatures during the months of March and early April,
but don’t leave them outside when weather conditions are expected to drop close to, or below freezing, and don’t transplant them out into the garden too soon."
and don't forget to 'harden off', if they are seedlings . EQANDY, if you are in Texas, I assume that your plants are in the ground already , and have been hit by at least 50 degree temps; that is what they need to formulate flowering.
If growing from seed, get from reputable seedhouse ; if you have retained seed from previous crop, they will not always run true to their parent plants (hybrids ?) I hope this helps you .
I have one rosemary shrub, and 3 thyme plants in there too. All volunteer. I made rows, but I won't plant until tomorrow. I used 110 gallons of rain water and a 1/10th horsepower pump to water that little garden. Now I can clean up those barrels. That's a chore I actually had scheduled. I'm glad I could do that.
It's 15 paces by 2 paces, so I'm figuring about 270 square feet under cultivation with maybe another 200 I can put in cultivation. It's already heavily mulched with wood chips.
I find my math to be a little more challenging now, so generally I don't math. ;)
/johnny