Grows in areas that are irrigated or receive some warm season moisture and on most soil types. Tolerates acidic, alkaline, or saline conditions or limited flooding. Grows poorly in shade. Rhizome and stolon fragments disperse with landscaping and agricultural activities, and soil movement. Seeds disperse with water, soil movement, agricultural and landscape machinery, as a commercial seed impurity, in livestock feeds and bedding, and with other human activities.
Seeds germinate spring through fall when temperature and moisture conditions are favorable.
Hybrids and other Cynodon species seldom produce viable seed. Persistent hand removal of rhizomes and stolons can eliminate bermudagrass from small areas. Tilling or discing as needed to expose rhizomes to sun-drying or freezing temperatures, or summer solarization in moist soil for 6 weeks can control infestations. Cleaning mowers and agricultural machinery after use in bermudagrass infested areas can prevent dispersal of rhizomes and stolons. It hybridizes with bermudagrass and has been used in breeding programs to create many of the commercial bermudagrass cultivars.