Im new to these, can someone give me instructions? To water or not? to soak seeds prior? etc... it would sure help!

As long as the rapid rooter is still moist just plant the seed directly into it. If it has dried out give it a quick soak. 5 minutes should be more than enough. Do NOT prestart the seeds on a paper towel. That is literally a grade three science project, not how any serious gardener/farmer would ever do it. Put them under lights immediately, even though the seeds haven't started yet. That will speed germination and prevent stretching when they do sprout. Leafy greens and herbs 12h/ day, tomatoes/peppers/the other thing 18h/day. NEVER 24h/day. Start with the Fluorescent light 3-4 inches above the rooters and let the seedlings grow up to 1-2 inches. raise the lights to maintain 1-2 inches distance.

Will these work in the HydroFarm float trays? Will they fit? I'm concerned because one of the reviews mentioned something about them being square.

They will work fine in many trays, you just want to assure that you have not compressed the cell of the rooting plug, as this will cause a defeciency of oxygen and over-abundance of moisture which will lead to slow rooting or worse disease/death. The plug must fit into the tray without the much of the sides being exposed or the roots will die as the emerge. If you try to incorporate two cloning techniques (float tray/plug progation your gonna have issues as these plugs should never be saturated. I also agree with Williams answer, using the chopsticks and that these plugs work better that others, and I've tried several. If you poke a hole with a stick, just make usre that the cut stem doesn't extend past the plug. Root Riot plugs have performed closer, but I still live these a little more. My expereience with cloning machines leads me to disagree with Sugarfoot09's answer, as I went from having 99% good cutting yields to less than 75% with an EZ clone machine (which I now use as a $400, 18g reservoir...LOL). If I want to root a cutting but do not want to have the start to be in a plug, I will support a cutting directly into a tray with water and add a couple air stones, enough to keep the water bubbling around the stem. I use RO water (ph +/- 6 PPM >40), no pH adjustment, no rooting additives, and no cloning gels or powders. This is what the float trays are mimiking.If I use the peat puck trays, which contain no insert to support the plug, I cut down an insert tray to fit. I only use these smaller trays if I want to save space or need to seperate plants at my cloning station. Cloning is very easy, keep it simple and you'll do fine.

Will this fit. In my Aero Garden holes?

If your holes are at least 1.5 inches in diameter then yes. They are 1.5 x 2 inches tall.

CAN BE USED FOR ROSE SEEDS?

Dear Samuel, I believe those plugs are appropriate for rose as well as for any kind of small seed. It provides the media the seeds need to sprout and create the first root systems. I hope it can help you.

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Reviews

M**.

The instructions were clear and the plugs were seemingly high quality. One clipping has rooted already

9.02.2020

K**N

I've bought 4 over the past couple of years and always has been quality product. I use these over rockwool and does exactly as I need. Small hole on top-middle to drop seeds into. I like the micronutrients included to help the seeds sprout then I can just place the whole thing into a net pot with pebbles and plants just take off! Very satisfied and a wonderful product!

29.12.2025

K**L

The General Hydroponics RapidRooter Tray and Plugs combo is exactly what I needed for my NFT hydroponic system. The 50 plugs fit perfectly in the tray, making seed starting and transplanting smooth and efficient. The plugs promote excellent root growth by maintaining ideal moisture and aeration levels. The tray is sturdy and easy to handle, helping keep everything organized during the growing process. ✅ Pros: – Convenient tray and plug system – Excellent moisture retention and aeration – Promotes strong root development – Durable and easy-to-use tray – Great value with 50 plugs included ❌ Cons: – None experienced so far Bottom Line: If you’re running an NFT hydroponic setup, this RapidRooter Tray and Plugs combo is a fantastic choice to start your seeds and cuttings strong. Highly recommend!

20.07.2025

W**L

Love this product. When is it going to be restocked?

27.01.2026

J**S

Soaked seeds for 12-16 hours, pop these into soaked rapid rooter cubes and then wait. Almost 100% germination rates. I don’t leave mine “in water”, but use these little rapid rooter/plug plastic holders which are readily available at stores. Holds moisture for a couple of days depending on humidity and east to transfer to large medium to grow. Rapid rooter makes seed germination simple and reliable.

12.06.2022

ASIN	B0002IU8K2
Batteries Included?	No
Brand	General Hydroponics
Color	Black
Customer Reviews	4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (12,792)
Date First Available	8 August 2012
Department	Unisex-Adult
Features	organic
Height	1.54 inches
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer	No
Item model number	714140
Length	12.75 inches
Manufacturer	Hawthorne Hydroponics, LLC
Material Type	Plastic
Number of Items	1
Number of Pieces	1
Product Dimensions	26.67 x 30.48 x 8.89 cm; 1.22 kg
Size	50 Plugs
Style	50 Count
Usage	Plant Growth, Root Development
Weight	3 Pounds
Width	4 inches

General Hydroponics Rapid Start

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