Green Globe  Globe-shaped in winter and spring; conical-shaped in summer and fall this variety is grown in California and is the largest variety grown commercially The variety produces deep green heads with some purple at the base in summer, 3 to 4 inches in diameter, round but slightly elongated. Thorns are more prominent in summer and fall. Some frost damage may appear on petals during winter which is only a cosmetic defect. Good edible petals with heavy hearts.

Desert Globe -Conical to round in shape; green color. Thorns are less prominent with this variety. Some frost damage may appear on petals during winter which is only a cosmetic defect. Good edible petals with well-developed hearts.

Big Heart -Thornless. conical artichoke; green color with some purple tinge. Some frost damage may appear on petals during winter which is only a cosmetic defect. Good flavor and wide hearts

Other globular varieties which are hard to find in commercial production, include the White Globe, Red Dutch and Giant Bud.

European types widely used in Europe, Thistle or Prickly Artichoke, Violet Artichoke, and the French or French Artichoke.