The aim of this study is to analyze the effects of early growth behaviors under conditions of P deficiency on further performances at the end of the vegetative phase of different Zea mays L. genotypes. The effects of soil P availability on biomass and P allocation during early growth and its effects on further performances were investigated on six maize genotypes which were chosen for their growth and development traits in response to P availability. Plants were grown under two contrasting P supplies and collected at 393°Cd and 780°Cd after emergence. Shoot and root growth, root:shoot allometric indicators and efficiencies related to P uptake and utilization, carbon (C) assimilation and allocation were determined. The results showed that the behavior of the six–leave-stage plants was a determining indicator of plant performance at the pre-anthesis phase. Total dry weight of the different maize genotypes ranged from 8.3 to 19.2 g/plant under low P supply at 780°Cd. At 393°Cd, extreme genotypes in growth were shown to have contrasting root: shoot ratios under high P supply (0.38 and 0.2) but similar ones under low P supply (0.5). We concluded that early investment in root or shoot growth in response to P availability determined the P and C partitioning at later stages. Through the screening of several maize genotypes, this study provided a quantitative analysis of plant growth and development to better understand the impact of early architectural tradeoffs and feedback effects on plant development under P deficiency.