The aim of the presented research was to determine the influence of aqueous extracts from selected common weeds, such as tansy (Tanacetum vulgare L.), goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea L.) and soapweed (Saponaria officinalis L.) on the germination capacity and initial development of maize (Zea maize L.). The research was carried out using a modified short-term germination test and early growth of Phytotoxkit plants. The tests were carried out in three series of three replications. The series were made at two-week intervals. During the experiment, the germination capacity of maize seed was determined based on the amount of normally germinated caryopses after 5 days from the time of sowing, and after the end of the experiment the length of roots and shoots was measured. Water extracts were made from dried individual parts of weeds (flowers, leaves and roots). Among the analyzed extracts, the strongest effect of maize roots growth, inhibition was caused by the extract made from soapweed leaves (80%), while water extracts from tansy leaves and goldenrod leaves limited root development to 50%. However, the extracts from the flowers of tansy and goldenrod leaves caused over 30% inhibition of root growth. Maize shoots showed greater tolerance for the presence of analyzed water extracts. The strongest inhibition of shoots development did not exceed 25% and was observed in the presence of tansy root extract, as well as the water extracts from leaves and root of soapweed and goldenrod flower. In conclusion, the obtained results indicate that aqueous extracts of common weeds may negatively effects on the germination and seedlings growth of maize. The impact depends on the type of plant from which the extract was made.