[tracy-fuerteventura]

 i have just found three small artichokes on my plant how big should i let them get before i pick them is it best to pick while small so more tender or leave till later for a better flavour

[Greasehog]

It depends on if it's their first season or not.. If it is then your supposed to cut off the small heads before they develope and throw them away.. then wait for the next seasons crop before you start cropping them...
Don't let the heads get too big or else they'll be tough. I think 3 - 4 inchs across the head is what your probably looking for...

[tracy-fuerteventura]

by first season do you mean the first time i have had a crop

[Stripey_cat]

(S)he means if the plants are new this year (either seed raised or offsets).  If they're large, established plants then you're fine, but babies need to grow roots and leaves rather than produce flowers.

[tracy-fuerteventura]

the plant is raised from seed but it is in its second year of growing the plant is now about a meter across and the same in height shall i still cut them off

[Greasehog]

The idea is to cut the heads off just before the segments open up.. Remove the king head first but leave 2 or 3 inches of stem..

[gregmcalister]

I wait until the globe is fully formed before cutting. The globes on the main stalk are the biggest but can be quite tough. I end up just using the hearts on the bigger ones.  The smaller globes from the sideshoots are the most tender and need minimal preparation.

[Stripey_cat]

the plant is raised from seed but it is in its second year of growing the plant is now about a meter across and the same in height shall i still cut them off

If it's last year's plant you should be able to harvest some from it - just don't get greedy, and start cutting them off as soon as you see them if the plant starts to look like it's struggling or its growth slows down too much.