diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index f431fc20..c14bf8ef 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -817,7 +817,7 @@ Below is the complete list of available options that can be used to customize yo
 | `GITLAB_SECRETS_SECRET_KEY_BASE` | Encryption key for session secrets. Ensure that your key is at least 64 characters long and that you don't lose it. This secret can be rotated with minimal impact - the main effect is that previously-sent password reset emails will no longer work. You can generate one using `pwgen -Bsv1 64`. No defaults. |
 | `GITLAB_SECRETS_OTP_KEY_BASE` |  Encryption key for OTP related stuff with  GitLab. Ensure that your key is at least 64 characters long and that you don't lose it. **If you lose or change this secret, 2FA will stop working for all users.** You can generate one using `pwgen -Bsv1 64`. No defaults. |
 | `GITLAB_TIMEZONE` | Configure the timezone for the gitlab application. This configuration does not effect cron jobs. Defaults to `UTC`. See the list of [acceptable values](http://api.rubyonrails.org/classes/ActiveSupport/TimeZone.html). |
-| `GITLAB_ROOT_PASSWORD` | The password for the root user on firstrun. Defaults to `5iveL!fe`. |
+| `GITLAB_ROOT_PASSWORD` | The password for the root user on firstrun. Defaults to `5iveL!fe`. GitLab requires this to be at least 8 characters long. |
 | `GITLAB_ROOT_EMAIL` | The email for the root user on firstrun. Defaults to `admin@example.com` |
 | `GITLAB_EMAIL` | The email address for the GitLab server. Defaults to value of `SMTP_USER`, else defaults to `example@example.com`. |
 | `GITLAB_EMAIL_DISPLAY_NAME` | The name displayed in emails sent out by the GitLab mailer. Defaults to `GitLab`. |