Rhodiola rosea L. was studied in order to find genotypes which can survive in the North of Finland and which are best at producing biologically active compounds. The production of the biologically active compounds and biomass is being studied from various genotypes, male and female plants and after various irritation treatments(e.g. UV-light). The production of the biolocigally active compounds is being studied also at the cellular level. The use of fertilizers was also tested. The medicinal value of the Rhodiola rosea is based on compounds in the rhizome, the most important being rosavin, rosarin, rosin ja salidroside. These compounds have been used as pharmaceuticals and adaptogens. Chemical analyses were performed by HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) with UV detector (268 nm). According to the preliminary results, we can conclude that the plant genotypes from the northern habitats have more biologically active compounds than those from the south. Plant age and the level of fertilization also affect the production of biomass and biolocigally active compounds.