Comparison: Best Fish Fertilizer For Roses (Updated | Dec 1st)
If you’re looking to give your roses that lush, vibrant bloom they crave, you might be surprised to learn the secret could be swimming in the ocean. Fish fertilizer has long been a gardener’s favorite for boosting soil health and encouraging strong growth—but not all formulas are created equal. In this article, we’ll dive into the best fish fertilizers for roses, comparing ingredients, effectiveness, and ease of use to help you choose the one that’ll have your garden thriving all season long.
- Best for all-natural boost: Heirloom Roses Founder’s Fish Fertilizer – Plant Food for Plants
- Best for vitamin-rich formula: CENTRAL GARDEN BRANDS 100099247 Fish Emul Fertilizer
- Best for value pack growth: Founder’s Fish Fertilizer by Heirloom Roses – (2-Pack)
- Best for omri certified blend: Alaska Fish Fertilizer OMRI Listed 5-1-1
- Best for pure rose nutrition: Heirloom Roses Founder’s Fish Fertilizer – All Natural Plant Food for Plants
- Best for seaweed-enhanced bloom: Neptune’s Harvest Fish & Seaweed Fertilizer 2-3-1
- Best for omega-rich salmon: Bloom City Organic Wild Fish Fertilizer and Plant Supplement
- Best for dual-action combo: Neptune’s Harvest Organic Plant Fertilizer | Liquid Fertilizer for Lawn
- Best for high-yield emulsion: 1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer for Plants – Ideal Liquid Fish Fertilizer for Plants
- Best for odorless protein boost: Neptune’s Harvest Fish Fertilizer 2-4-1
Product Comparison: Best Fish Fertilizer For Roses
Heirloom Roses Founder’s Fish Fertilizer – Plant Food for Plants, Organic Liquid Emulsion Fertilizer, Garden Fertilizers for Rose Flower and Tomato Outdoor Gardening
- All Natural
- Easy Application
- Won’t Burn Plants
- Long Lasting
- Promotes Robust Plant Health
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
Founder’s Fish Fertilizer by Heirloom Roses – (2-Pack)
- Great For All Plant Types
- Organic
- Easy Application
- Won’t Burn Plants
- Long Lasting
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
Heirloom Roses Founder’s Fish Fertilizer – All Natural Plant Food for Plants, Natural Liquid Emulsion Fertilizer, One Gallon Garden Fertilizers for Rose Flower and Tomato Outdoor Gardening
- Great For All Plant Types
- All Natural
- Easy Application
- Won’t Burn plants
- Plant Fertilizer
Neptune’s Harvest Fish & Seaweed Fertilizer 2-3-1, 18 Ounce
- Grow a beautiful vegetable garden
- Flowers and foliage will be stronger and more colorful
- Blooms will be more plentiful, fragrant and longer lasting
- Easy to mix and apply by hand, sprayer, or drip line
Bloom City Organic Wild Fish Fertilizer and Plant Supplement, Great for Roots and Soil, Made from Sustainable Salmon, Quart (32 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.
Neptune’s Harvest Organic Plant Fertilizer | Liquid Fertilizer for Lawn, Garden & Houseplant | Rich in Essential Nutrients | Rose & Flowering 2-4-2 (Quart) + Fish & Seaweed Plant Food 2-6-4 (Quart)
- Combine for Maximum Growth: Pair Neptune’s Harvest Rose & Flowering Plant Fertilizer with the Fish & Seaweed Fertilizer for enhanced plant vitality! This powerful combination of organic plant food strengthens roots, improves soil health, and promotes vibrant blooms; boosting flower production, enhancing foliage, and ensuring robust plant growth for beautiful, long-lasting flowers and healthy, resilient plants throughout the growing season
- Organic Nutrients for Roses & Flowers: This Rose & Flowering Plant Fertilizer is a 2-6-4 natural fertilizer made from fish, seaweed, and other organic ingredients; Designed to promote vibrant blooms and robust plant health, this eco-friendly formula boosts flower production and strengthens plants during all stages of growth
- How to Use Rose & Flowering Fertilizer: Apply this organic plant fertilizer during the growing season by mixing the concentrate with water as directed and applying directly to the soil; For best results, reapply every 2-4 weeks, ensuring your roses and flowering plants receive continuous nourishment for optimal growth and blooms
- Organic Fish & Seaweed Fertilizer for Vegetables & Flowers: This 2-3-1 natural fertilizer is made from organic fish hydrolysate and seaweed; It is designed to nourish plants during active growth stages; this eco-friendly formula promotes stronger roots, lush foliage, and abundant, longer-lasting blooms
- How to Use Fish & Seaweed Fertilizer: Apply this organic plant fertilizer during active growth stages; mix the concentrate with water as directed and apply directly to the soil or use as a foliar spray until leaves are wet, top and bottom; reapply every 2-3 weeks throughout the growing season for continuous nourishment, ensuring stronger roots, vibrant foliage, and healthier plants
- Package Contents: 1 Unit of Neptune’s Harvest Rose & Flowering Plant Fertilizer 2-4-2 (Quart) + (1) Neptune’s Harvest Fish & Seaweed Plant Fertilizer 2-6-4 (Quart)
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
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 should I look for in a fish fertilizer for roses?
Choose a product that lists a balanced N-P-K ratio suitable for blooming plants, such as 2-3-1 or 2-6-4. Look for certifications like OMRI listing or organic labeling to ensure it meets organic gardening standards. Also consider ease of application and whether the formula is liquid or emulsion, which affects how quickly nutrients are absorbed.
How does Heirloom Roses Founder’s Fish Fertilizer compare to Neptune’s Harvest Fish Fertilizer?
Heirloom Roses Founder’s emphasizes an all‑natural, burn‑free formula with a focus on long‑lasting vigor, while Neptune’s Harvest offers a cold‑processed fish emulsion that retains proteins and oils for richer soil health. Both are organic, but Neptune’s Harvest typically provides a higher micronutrient content and a milder odor due to its processing method. For roses, Heirloom’s 2‑3‑1 blend is tailored for blooms, whereas Neptune’s 2‑4‑1 is a bit more balanced for overall plant growth.
Is a higher N‑P‑K ratio better for rose production?
Roses benefit from a lower nitrogen (N) level and higher phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) to encourage flower development rather than leafy growth. Ratios like 2‑3‑1 or 2‑6‑4 supply enough phosphorus for bud formation while keeping nitrogen modest. A fertilizer with too much nitrogen can produce lush foliage at the expense of blooms.
Do fish fertilizers need to be diluted before use?
Yes, most liquid fish fertilizers are concentrated and should be mixed with water according to the label, typically 1‑2 tablespoons per gallon for roses. Proper dilution prevents leaf burn and ensures even nutrient distribution in the soil. Applying the mix as a soil drench or foliar spray every 2‑4 weeks keeps roses fed throughout the growing season.
What added benefits do fish fertilizers provide beyond N‑P‑K?
Fish fertilizers contain natural amino acids, hormones, and micronutrients that stimulate beneficial soil microbes and improve root development. The organic matter also enhances soil structure, increasing water retention and aeration. These secondary nutrients often lead to stronger, more disease‑resistant roses.
How important is the product’s odor when choosing a fish fertilizer?
A noticeable fishy smell indicates a genuine fish-based product, which many gardeners prefer for authenticity. Some brands, like Neptune’s Harvest, use a cold‑process that reduces odor while retaining nutrients. If odor is a concern for indoor use, look for formulations marketed as low‑odor or odor‑controlled.
Which fish fertilizer offers the best value for a home rose garden?
Products sold in larger containers, such as the 1‑gallon organic fish emulsion, typically provide the lowest cost per ounce while delivering the same nutrient profile. Bloom City’s Wild Fish Fertilizer adds premium salmon oil for extra omega‑3s, which can justify a higher price for serious growers. For most hobbyists, a mid‑size bottle of Heirloom Roses Founder’s or Central Garden Brands gives a solid balance of price, performance, and ease of use.