Objective: To study the variation of the main active ingredient contents in Crocus sativus. Method: The crocin contents in C. sativus were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)

after which the relationships between contents and origins

fertilization mode

picking time

covering methods

morphological character of leaves

yield character were studied. Result: It showed that there was an obviously difference between contents in C. sativus from different origins

fertilization mode and covering methods. Besides

there was a negative correlation between contents and weight of stigma and seed

number and length of leaves. The picking time had no obvious correlation with contents. Thus it was founf that covering grass with no shade and cooperation application of organic and inorganic fertilizer could improve the crocin contents. Thus

to select high yield line in C. sativus

priority should be given to the line with longer and less leaves. Conclusion: The study has laid a foundation for high quality cultivation and superior line selection in C. sativus.