Comparison: Best Fish Emulsion For Tomatoes (Updated | Dec 1st)
We’ve dug into the smelly details—because yes, they all stink a little—to find which formulas actually boost growth, improve flavor, and keep your tomato plants thriving from blossom to harvest. No fluff, just real results. Let’s break down the top contenders and help you choose the right feed for a bumper crop.
- Best for salmon power: Fish Emulsion Fertilizer
- Best for wintergreen fresh: Alaska Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 Concentrate 1 Gallon (Packaging may vary)
- Best for cold-pressed organic: 1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer for Plants – Ideal Liquid Fish Fertilizer for Plants
- Best for vigorous foliage: Fertilome (10612) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (32 oz)
- Best for compact green boost: Fertilome (10611) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (16 oz)
- Best for low-odor powder: Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 12-2-2 Powder (3.3 pounds Powder-Up to 300 Gallons of Water)
- Best for trace mineral boost: Harris Organic Plant and Lawn Fertilizer
- Best for salmon strength: Fish Emulsion Fertilizer
- Best for rose-optimized fertilizer: Heirloom Roses Founder’s Fish Fertilizer – Plant Food for Plants
Product Comparison: Best Fish Emulsion For Tomatoes
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 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
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!
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.
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.
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
Harris Organic Plant and Lawn Fertilizer, Hydrolyzed Liquid Fish Fertilizer Emulsion Great for Tomatoes and Vegetables, 3-3-0.3, 32oz (32oz (Quart))
- Uses trace minerals and micronutrients naturally derived from fish
- Promotes vigorous growth of plants and vegetables
- Great for all indoor and outdoor plants
- For use in an Organic Gardening program
- Won’t burn plants
Fish Emulsion Fertilizer, Complete Fish Emulsion Plant Food, 32 oz (1 Quart)
- Complete fish fertilizer for thriving plants
- Helps growth with natural harvest salmon nutrients
- Easy-to-follow care instructions included
- Made in the USA
Liquinox 7128 Fish Emulsion 5-1-1 Fertilizer, 1-Gallon
- All purpose liquid fish fertilizer: Use on flowers, lawns, shrubs, trees, and other outdoor plants
- Primary nutrients source: Derived from seagoing fish
- Active ingredients: Includes iron, manganese, and zinc
- Fish emulsion 5-1-1: Suitable for soil or foliar application
- Safe and nonburning: Ideal for use on vegetables, flowers, shrubs, lawns, and trees
- Versatile application: Can be used on potted and house plants, fruits, vegetables, ornamentals, and shade trees
- Application rate: Recommended usage is 2 tablespoons per gallon monthly during the growing and blooming season
- Product type: Liquid fertilizer
- Package size: Available in a 1-gallon container
- Manufacturer: Liquinox
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
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 NPK ratio is best for feeding tomato plants with fish emulsion?
Tomatoes thrive on a balanced nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium blend; a 2-3-1 or 5-1-1 ratio works well for vegetative growth and fruit set. The 1‑gallon Organic Fish Emulsion (2-3-1) and the Alaska Fish Emulsion (5-1-1) both meet these needs. Choose the ratio that matches your soil test: higher nitrogen for early growth, higher phosphorus for fruit development.
Should I pick a liquid or powder fish emulsion for my tomato garden?
Liquid emulsions, like the 8 oz and 1‑gallon bottles, dissolve instantly and are easy to apply as a soil drench or foliar spray, which is convenient for frequent feeding. Powder forms, such as the 12‑2‑2 powder, have a reduced odor and can be mixed in bulk for large beds, offering cost efficiency. If you have a small raised bed, a liquid may be simpler; for a larger plot, the powder can save time and storage space.
How important is odor when selecting a fish emulsion for indoor tomato plants?
Strong fishy odor can be unpleasant indoors, so many gardeners prefer deodorized options like the Alaska Fish Emulsion with natural wintergreen scent. The 12‑2‑2 powder also reduces smell because it’s dry, while traditional liquids emit a noticeable fish smell. If you grow tomatoes on a balcony or inside, choose a low‑odor product to maintain a pleasant environment.
Are there any differences in nutrient concentration that affect value per ounce?
Concentration varies: the 5‑1‑1 products (Alaska, Fertilome) contain 5 % nitrogen, while the 2‑3‑1 liquid offers a slightly lower nitrogen but higher phosphorus for fruiting. The 12‑2‑2 powder is super‑concentrated, making one pound stretch to 100 gallons of feed, delivering excellent value for large gardens. Compare the cost per usable gallon to determine which gives the best return on investment.
Which fish emulsion is safest for organic gardening certifications?
Products labeled “Organic” such as the 1‑gallon Organic Fish Emulsion and Harris Organic Plant and Lawn Fertilizer meet USDA organic standards and are accepted in certified organic tomato production. The Fertilome and Liquinox lines are also derived from natural fish sources but may lack explicit organic certification. Verify the label if you need to maintain organic certification for your harvest.
How do application rates differ between the 8 oz and 1‑quart containers?
Both the 8 oz (250 mL) and 1‑quart (32 oz) bottles contain the same formulation, so the recommended dilution—typically 1‑2 Tbsp per gallon of water—remains constant. The larger container simply reduces the number of refills needed for a season, which can lower labor and packaging waste. Choose the size that matches the scale of your tomato planting area.
What extra nutrients or micronutrients should I look for in a fish emulsion for tomatoes?
Tomatoes benefit from trace elements like iron, manganese, and zinc, which support chlorophyll production and fruit quality. Liquinox 7128 and the Alaska Fish Emulsion list these micronutrients in their ingredient panels. Selecting a product that includes them can boost overall plant health without needing additional supplements.