To analyze the effects of the size of Fritillaria cirrhosa (FC) bulbs (as seed bulbs) on its growth and quality and provide theoretical support for the standardized production of high-quality FC.Methods:The FC bulbs were classified by the diameter and appearance shape,and the effects of different bulb sizes on the FC yield and bulb quality were analyzed by comparing the physiological indexes,leaf photosynthetic light-response curves,and total alkaloid content of bulbs with three different diameters and two different appearance shapes after emergence.Results:Large bulbs had a significant advantage in the productive growth and flower amounts (all of them could grow into fruits).There was no significant difference between the quality of a single fruit from the large bulbs and other bulbs.The small bulb had higher content of total alkaloids than the large bulb.Compared with pointed bulbs,flat bulbs had more and wider leaves,higher photosynthetic efficiency,but later time of seedling emergence.However,no significant difference in alkaloid content was observed.Conclusion:The phenotypes of FC bulbs are diverse.In the same growth years,the large bulbs can be preferably used for breeding and small bulbs are suitable for commercial products.The selection of seed bulb based on diameter and shape could guarantee its breeding and medicinal material supply and ensure high-yield and high-quality production of FC.