Objective: To provide the basis for determining the suitable collecting time and processing methods of safflower. Methods: Based on the introduction and cultivation of safflower, the crude drug was collected in different flowering days, and dried in the shade, in the sun, at 45℃ and 60℃. The contents of the components in the crude drug were measured by UV and HPLC. Results: The contents of the components in safflower crude drug were significantly affected by collecting time (P < 0.01), while they were not affected by the processing methods. Conclusion: The suitable collecting time of safflower crude drug are the third flowering day. The quality of the crude drug dried bellow 60℃ is not affected.