A novel peanut shell biochar-based composite hydrogel (AM/CMC/B) was synthesized and utilized to alleviate the toxicity of tobacco seedlings under Cd stress. The composition and structure of AM/CMC/B analyzed by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The performance of AM/CMC/B in the removal of Cd2+ was evaluated through a comparative experiment between AM/CMC/B and AM/CMC. A pot experiment was conducted to explore the effects of composite hydrogel AM/CMC/B on the growth and development of tobacco seedlings under Cd stress. The results showed that when the initial concentration of Cd2+ was 200 mg L-1, the temperature was 25 ℃ and pH was 5.0, the maximum adsorption capacity of Cd2+ by composite hydrogel AM/CMC/B could reach 164.83 mg g-1. Application of exogenous AM/CMC/B enhanced the growth of tobacco seedings under Cd stress. When 10 mg kg-1 Cd was added, AM/CMC/B supply obviously improved the phenotype of tobacco seedlings and made the roots of tobacco seedlings more developed, compared to the treatment blank control. The fresh and dry weight of the aboveground and underground parts of tobacco seedlings increased by 98.39%, 130.67% and 84.22%, 231.82%, respectively. The photosynthesis and chlorophyll content (SPAD value) of tobacco seedlings increased significantly, stomatal conductance (Gs) and stomatal number increased. In addition, AM/CMC/B increased the antioxidant activity of tobacco seedlings, significantly reduced MDA content and leaf cell mortality. Composite hydrogel AM/CMC/B had the most significant effect on alleviating Cd stress of tobacco seedlings. This study has a potential application prospect. It can provide guidance for sewage purification, and this study also has a high feasibility in alleviating the toxicity of Cd stress in tobacco and other plants.