Comparison: Best Fish Emulsion Fertilizer (Updated | Nov 11th)
If your garden’s looking a little under the weather, it might just be craving some good old-fashioned fish emulsion fertilizer. Smelly? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely. We’ve all heard the hype, but with so many options on the shelf, how do you know which one’s truly worth the splurge? After digging deep into ingredients, user reviews, and real garden results, we’ve narrowed down the top contenders.
- Best for burn-free boost: Alaska Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 Concentrate 1 Gallon (Packaging may vary)
- Best for vitamin-rich organic: CENTRAL GARDEN BRANDS 100099247 Fish Emul Fertilizer
- Best for salmon nutrient pack: Fish Emulsion Fertilizer
- Best for omri certified: Alaska Fish Fertilizer OMRI Listed 5-1-1
- Best for cold-pressed yield: 1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer for Plants – Ideal Liquid Fish Fertilizer for Plants
- Best for odorless cold-process: Neptune’s Harvest Fish Fertilizer 2-4-1
- Best for powdered power: Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 12-2-2 Powder (3.3 pounds Powder-Up to 300 Gallons of Water)
- Best for foliage boost: Fertilome (10611) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (16 oz)
- Best for omega-rich salmon: Bloom City Organic Wild Fish Fertilizer and Plant Supplement
- Best for large-scale green: Fertilome (10612) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (32 oz)
Product Comparison: Best Fish Emulsion Fertilizer
Alaska Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 Concentrate 1 Gallon (Packaging may vary)
- Will Not Burn
- Great for all plants
- Deodorized with Natural Wintergreen
- 5-1-1 fertilizer is an excellent source of organic plant nutrients
- Fish Fertilizer
CENTRAL GARDEN BRANDS 100099247 Fish Emul Fertilizer, 1 Quart
- Promotes healthy plant growth with 11 vitamins
- Can be used on all indoor and outdoor plants
- 100-percent organic
- Stimulates microorganisms
- Does not burn
Fish Emulsion Fertilizer, Complete Fish Emulsion Plant Food, 8 oz (250mL)
- Complete fish fertilizer for thriving plants
- Helps growth with natural harvest salmon nutrients
- Easy-to-follow care instructions included
- Made in the USA
Alaska Fish Fertilizer OMRI Listed 5-1-1, 115 oz
- Fish-based fertilizer for use in vegetable, fruit, and flower gardens
- Excellent for use on flowers, trees, and other plants
- OMRI listed
- For organic gardening
- Great for all indoor and outdoor plants
- NPK 5-1-1 fish emulsion fertilizer
- Fish has been used as a natural source of plant nutrients for centuries
- Easy to use, just mix with water
1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer for Plants – Ideal Liquid Fish Fertilizer for Plants, Flowers, Fruits & Vegetables, 2-3-1 NPK – Sustainably Sourced and Hydrolyzed for Steady Growth
- ORGANIC FISH EMULSION FERTILIZER – Our liquid fish fertilizer is made from sustainably sourced fish emulsion and we use up all the parts that would otherwise go to waste. Using an environmentally conscious method, ingredients are refined fresh and 100% cold pressed to help retain all of the nutrients, vitamins, and amino acids needed to grow healthy plants.
- GROW PLANTS NATURALLY – This wonderfully organic alternative to synthetic fertilizer contains a 2-3-1 NPK ratio perfect for light and frequent applications. Promotes steady, healthy plant development throughout the growing season.
- ENRICHES SOIL – Helps build a strong foundation for your organic garden to thrive on! Use as an effective soil drench to improve fertility, structure, and encourage the growth of beneficial microorganisms like fungi in your garden’s soil.
- PRODUCE MORE – Get the most out of your fertilizer and your garden! This organic garden fertilizer helps to increase crop yields and flower blooms. Gentle enough to use as a foliar spray makes this the perfect fish fertilizer for plants, flowers, and vegetables.
- SMELL THE DIFFERENCE – This fertilizer smells like fish because it’s made from fish! Crafted with high-quality concentrated and undiluted hydrolyzed fish emulsion each bottle gives off a pungent fishy aroma. When compared, we see it like this – if it doesn’t smell, then it’s not real fish!
Neptune’s Harvest Fish Fertilizer 2-4-1, 36 Ounce
- Neptune’s Harvest is an organic fertilizer made from fresh north Atlantic fish
- It is made by a unique cold process that protects the vitamins, amino acids, enzymes and growth hormones
- It also contains all the micro and macro nutrients naturally found in fish
- Unlike fish emulsions, Neptune’s Harvest retains the fish proteins and oils and has no unpleasant odor
Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 12-2-2 Powder (3.3 pounds Powder-Up to 300 Gallons of Water), for Vegetables, Trees, Lawns, Shrubs, Flowers, Fruits
- Organic Fish Protein :12-2-2 NPK powder made from 100% fish dried liquid powder, ground, and highly water-soluble when mixed.
- 2× Super Concentrated Powder: 1 lb (≈450 g) makes up to 100 gal of liquid feed,ideal for both large veggie plots and indoor/hydro gardens, creating high-value yield.
- Proven Results and Trusted Organic Fertilizer: Comparison experient conducted on same seed, same soil. The fertilizer supports visible growth and robust fruit set.
- Promotes Healthier Roots & Foliage: Rich in natural amino acids and micronutrients, boosts plant stress resistance, soil biology, and nutrient uptake.
- Reduced Odor, Easy to Use: Dry powder form alleviates the strong “fishy” smell of traditional emulsions. Simple to store, measure, and apply; mix and water every 1–2 weeks.
- Sustainable & Responsibly Sourced: Made in small batches from by products of the fish meal industry, organically biodegradable with minimal waste.
- Includes a teaspoon for ease of measurement
Fertilome (10611) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (16 oz)
- Develops deep green foliage, vigorous root systems and a solid plant structure
- Derived from fish soluble, can be used from indoor and outdoor. Can be used on plants and trees.
- Mixes with water and can be used by any convenient method of application. Shake well before use.
- 5-1-1 Fertilizer contains 5% Nitrogen, 1% Phosphate and 1% Soluble Potash.
- For plants mix 1-2 tbsp per 1 gal of water. For trees mix 4 tbsp per gal of water.
Bloom City Organic Wild Fish Fertilizer and Plant Supplement, Great for Roots and Soil, Made from Sustainable Salmon, 1/2 Pint (8 oz)
- FROM SUSTAINABLE ALASKAN SALMON: Great for Soil and Plants, for indoor and outdoor use.
- CONTAINS SALMON EMULSION AND SALMON OIL: Very high in omega 3 Fatty Acids for Plants. More Amino Acids than any other brand.
- SMELLS LIKE FISH: You know this is the good stuff, because is really really smells like ocean and fish.
- HIGHEST QUALITY, MOST POTENT, BEST VALUE, BIGGEST YIELD: Bloom City’s ingredients are better for plants, better for you, and better for the planet. Simply the best choice for the conscientious grower.
- FORMULATED AND MADE IN THE USA: Designed by botanists and plant chemists in Seattle, Washington. Bloom City chooses only the highest quality ingredient sources and manufacturing methods to create the world’s best craft growing nutrient systems.
Fertilome (10612) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (32 oz)
- Develops deep green foliage, vigorous root systems and a solid plant structure
- Derived from fish soluble, can be used from indoor and outdoor. Can be used on plants and trees.
- Mixes with water and can be used by any convenient method of application. Shake well before use.
- 5-1-1 Fertilizer contains 5% Nitrogen, 1% Phosphate and 1% Soluble Potash.
- For plants mix 1-2 tbsp per 1 gal of water. For trees mix 4 tbsp per gal of water.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What factors should I consider when choosing a fish emulsion fertilizer?
Look at the NPK ratio, concentration, and form (liquid or powder) to match your garden’s needs. Check for organic certifications such as OMRI listing, which assures compliance with organic standards. Also consider odor level, shelf life, and whether the product includes extra micronutrients or vitamins.
How does the NPK ratio affect plant growth and which ratio is best for my garden?
A higher nitrogen (N) promotes leafy growth, while more phosphorus (P) supports root and flower development, and potassium (K) aids overall vigor. For general vegetable and flower beds, a balanced 5‑1‑1 ratio (e.g., Alaska Fish Emulsion) works well, whereas a 2‑4‑1 ratio like Neptune’s Harvest favors blooming plants. Choose a ratio that aligns with the growth stage you’re targeting.
Which product offers the best value for large garden applications?
The 1‑gallon Alaska Fish Emulsion (5‑1‑1) provides a high nutrient concentration at a lower price per gallon, making it cost‑effective for extensive beds. The 115‑oz OMRI‑listed Alaska Fish Fertilizer also offers a large volume with organic certification, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Both outperform smaller quart or 8‑oz containers when scaling up.
How do liquid versus powder fish fertilizers compare in terms of odor and convenience?
Liquid emulsions, such as the 1‑gallon Organic Fish Emulsion, deliver nutrients quickly but often retain a strong fishy smell, which some growers find off‑putting. Powder forms like the 12‑2‑2 Fish Emulsion Powder reduce odor dramatically and are easy to store, measure, and mix for large volumes. However, powders require an extra step to dissolve before application.
Are OMRI‑listed fish emulsions necessary for organic certification?
Yes, an OMRI listing confirms the product meets the National Organic Program standards, which is required for certified organic farms and gardens. The 115‑oz Alaska Fish Fertilizer and Neptune’s Harvest both carry OMRI certification, giving growers confidence in compliance. Using non‑listed products could jeopardize organic labeling.
What are the benefits of using a salmon‑based fertilizer versus generic fish emulsion?
Salmon‑based formulas, like Bloom City Organic Wild Fish Fertilizer, contain higher levels of omega‑3 fatty acids and specific amino acids that can boost root development and stress resistance. Generic fish emulsions still provide a full spectrum of nutrients but may lack the concentrated salmon oil profile. If you’re targeting maximum yield and soil health, a salmon‑rich product can be advantageous.
How often should I apply fish emulsion and at what dilution rates?
Most liquid fish emulsions are applied every 2‑3 weeks during the active growing season, using a dilution of 1‑2 tablespoons per gallon of water for foliage and up to 4 tablespoons per gallon for trees. Powder versions are typically mixed to the same strength and applied on a similar schedule. Always follow the manufacturer’s label for specific crop recommendations.
Which brand provides the most consistent nutrient profile for indoor plants?
Fertilome’s 5‑1‑1 Fish Emulsion (both 16‑oz and 32‑oz sizes) offers a reliable, low‑odor formula that mixes easily with water, making it ideal for indoor foliage and houseplants. Its consistent NPK ratio and clear mixing instructions help avoid over‑fertilization. For growers seeking a premium option, the 8‑oz Complete Fish Emulsion includes detailed care instructions and a stable nutrient blend.