Grows on most soil types, including acidic, alkaline, and saline soils. Rhizomes tolerate considerable desiccation. New rhizomes grow primarily in summer. New tillers develop spring and fall. Seed disperses near the parent plant, does not require an afterripening period.
Seed germinates in early spring.
Fluctuating temperatures stimulate germination, and light is not required. Seed can remain viable up to 4 years under field conditions. Seedlings can emerge from soil depths to 10 cm. Repeated cultivation exhausts rhizome food reserves and, along with crop rotation, can control infestations. However, a single disking or cultivation can increase an infestation.