Most fruits fall near the parent plants, but some fruits disperse short distances with wind and to greater distances with water, soil movement, human activities, as a seed and hay contaminant, and possibly by clinging to the fur or feathers of animals. Seeds mature about 8 weeks after flower stem initiation. In a Utah study, plants produced an average of 383 fruits per plant. Seeds removed from fruits lack a dormancy period. Fruit coats contain water-soluble inhibitors that prevent many seeds from germinating until leaching occurs and reduce seedling growth of dyer's woad and other species.
Some seeds germinate in the presence of the inhibitor.
Rupture of fruit coats increases germination. Seeds germinate in fall and early spring. Seed longevity under field conditions has not been studied. Plants cut above the crown can grow new shoots and may persist as short-lived perennials. Spring cultivation can control infestations in crop fields.