The growth of Porphyridium cruentum and its porphyran polysaccharide production were measured as functions of light intensity, temperature, light quality (fluorescent, blue, red, and green) and nitrate concentration. The optimum light intensity, temperature, and nitrate concentration for the growth of Porphyridium cruentum and for its polysaccharide production were 1,400 lx, $25^{circ}C$, and 0.03%, respectively. The maximum cell concentration and polysaccharide content under the optimum conditions were 1.95 and 0.23 mg/mL, respectively. Light quality did not influence growth or polysaccharide production. The best results for growth and polysaccharide production were obtained using fluorescent light.