Abstract: 【Objective】 To study the drought resistance of maize during the seedling stage.【Method】 Seven maize hybrids were selected to test the effects of polyethylene glycol (PEG) concentrations on seedling quality and water retention of maize hybrid, with the PEG concentrations of 0 (CK), 100, 150 and 200 g·L^-1, under simulated drought condition, after the seeds imbibed.【Result and conclusion】 The results indicated that PEG concentration was the most important factor to affect seedling quality and water retention of maize hybrid. With the increase of PEG concentration, seedling length of maize hybrid reduced significantly, while seedling quality and water retention increased significantly. Nongdan No.5, Changcheng 706 and Huidan No.4 had strong drought resistance. Haihe No.1, Nongdan No.5 and Changcheng 706 had good seedling quality, so Nongdan No.5 and Changcheng 706 had the resistance to high PEG concentration. To study the drought resistance of plant, not only the seedling appearance, but also the seedling quality and water retention should be examined.