Taking cut flower chrysanthemum ‘Jinba’ as test material, the effects of exogenous Ca2+ on its photosynthetic system and antioxidant enzyme activities under high temperature stress were investigated, with the possible action mechanisms of Ca2+ discussed. The results showed that under high temperature stress, Ca2+ addition greatly inhibited the net photosynthesis rate (Pn) and quantum yield of PSⅡ electron transport (ΦPSⅡ). After 24 h treatment, the Pn and ΦPSⅡ were increased by 31.11% and 21.88%, respectively, and the initial fluorescence (Fo) decreased by 13.19%, compare with the control. Ca2+ addition also greatly enhanced the activities of SOD, POD and CAT, and thus, the active oxygen was scavenged timely. After 24 h treatment, the MDA accumulation and REC were 29.20% and 35.81% lower than the control, respectively. In conclusion, Ca2+ addition could efficiently protect chrysanthemum leaves from the damage in photosynthetic apparatus under shortterm high temperature stress.