A series of laboratory experiments was conducted to break seed dormancy and to investigate the germination ecology of prostrate knotweed (Polygonum aviculare L.) populations for designing weed management practices in eastern Australia. Foundational studies identified sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) immersion of seeds for 8 hours as the most effective method for breaking seed dormancy and enhancing germination. Therefore, in the subsequent seed germination ecology experiments, seeds treated with NaOCl for 8 hours followed by a 10-minute water rinse were used, and two populations (Gatton and Nangwee) were selected for the studies. The Gatton population exhibited higher germination than the Nangwee population at alternating day/night temperatures ranging from 15/5 to 30/20 C. Germination in both populations did not vary at day/night temperatures ranging from 20/10 C to 30/20 C. Therefore, considering P. aviculare as a winter season weed in Australia, an optimal temperature of 20/10 C was selected for further light/dark, salt and osmotic stress, residue cover, and burial depth studies. Averaged over populations, germination of P. aviculare peaked at 92% under alternating light/dark conditions but declined to 49% in complete darkness, confirming the species’ positive photoblastic nature. Under stress (salt and osmotic) conditions, the Gatton population maintained ∼50% germination at 250 mM NaCl and –0.8 MPa osmotic potential and showed higher tolerance to these stresses than the Nangwee population. Moderate residue cover (2–4 Mg ha⁻¹) enhanced seedling emergence (up to 58% in Nangwee and 36% in Gatton populations), likely due to improved surface moisture and partial light availability. However, seed burial beyond 4 cm nearly eliminated emergence due to light exclusion and mechanical resistance. These findings suggest that P. aviculare is well adapted to surface soil conditions and may thrive in reduced-tillage, residue-retained systems. Strategic deep tillage and surface-targeted herbicides are essential for effective management of this light-sensitive, residue-adapted weed.