A pot experiment was conducted in March to June 2025 to find out the off season growth pattern and impact of hydro priming treatment in 11 cluster bean genotypes. Data were recorded on germination percentage at 7 and 14 days (TG 7, TG 14), mean germination time (MGT 7, MGT 14), germination rate index (GRI 7, GRI 14), seed vigour indices (SV I7, SVI 14), fresh and dry biomass of roots and shoots, and seedling length. Significant genotype × treatment interactions were found for early germination (within 7 days) and biomass traits. Notably, SVI 14 (h² = 0.93; GAM ≈ 55%) and shoot biomass looked promising selection indices. Hydro priming enhanced TG 14, with multiple regression highlighting MGT 14, GRI 14, and treatment as key predictors (R² = 0.54). All genotypes showed enhanced germination over control and amongst them V2, V3, V4, V8, V9 and V12 displayed higher germination at GT 7. In field trial mimicking terminal water stresses (42–47°C, rain fed), only three genotypes V9, V10, and V12 survived till the end of June. The study demonstrated that hydro priming did not improve, early germination and seedling vigour. Genotypes V9, V10, and V12 appeared strong candidates for using in drought-resilient clusterbean lines.