The formation of astaxanthin by Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous mutant JH1 depends on the culture conditions. Therefore, the effects of inoculation rate (1-5%, v/v) and medium compositions (various carbon and nitrogen sources) on cell growth and astaxanthin formation in X. dendrorhous mutant JH1 were investigated. Inoculation at 3% (v/v) was optimal for cell growth and astaxanthin formation. The most effective carbon source for cell growth and astaxanthin formation was glucose, and the best nitrogen source was yeast extract. The 3% (w/v) glucose and 0.2% (w/v) yeast extract showed the best effect on cell growth and astaxanthin formation, compared with others tested. The 3% glucose, 0.2% yeast extract, $0.15%;KH_{2}PO_{4}$, $0.05%;MgSO_4$, $0.01%;MnSO_4$, and $0.01%;CaCl_2$ were selected for cell growth and astaxanthin formation. Under the conditions selected, the maximum concentrations of cell and astaxanthin obtained after 168 h of cultivation were 5.43 g/l and 28.20 mg/l, respectively.