Influence of potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate with different concentrations on the growth and development of maize seedlings was trial explored by soil culture method. The results showed that the two preservatives have promoted the seeding growth at low concentration of 2.0g/L, but inhibited at high concentration, and the inhibition reached to be significant at 8.0g/L. In general, both the two food preservatives have promotion effect on the growth of maize seedlings at low concentration, but inhibition at high concentrations.The harmful warning concentration of the two preservatives to maize seedlings is 8 g/L, and the inhibition of potassium sorbate is more obvious than sodium benzoate at same concentration.