Comparison: Best Fish Emulsion Fertilizer For Roses (Updated | Dec 1st)
If you’re serious about growing lush, vibrant roses, you know the right fertilizer can make all the difference. Enter fish emulsion—a natural powerhouse packed with nutrients that roses absolutely love. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which one delivers the best results? We’ve dug into the details, tested top contenders, and compared ingredients, scent, ease of use, and, most importantly, bloom performance to help you choose the best fish emulsion fertilizer for your prized roses—because your garden deserves nothing less than the best.
- Best for vitamin‑rich boost: CENTRAL GARDEN BRANDS 100099247 Fish Emul Fertilizer
- Best for omri certified: Alaska Fish Fertilizer OMRI Listed 5-1-1
- Best for rose‑ready formula: Heirloom Roses Founder’s Fish Fertilizer – Plant Food for Plants
- Best for salmon‑powered: Fish Emulsion Fertilizer
- Best for wintergreen fresh: Alaska Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 Concentrate 1 Gallon (Packaging may vary)
- Best for sustainable yield: 1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer for Plants – Ideal Liquid Fish Fertilizer for Plants
- Best for vigorous foliage: Fertilome (10611) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (16 oz)
- Best for big‑batch green: Fertilome (10612) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (32 oz)
- Best for odor‑free powder: Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 12-2-2 Powder (3.3 pounds Powder-Up to 300 Gallons of Water)
- Best for cold‑processed clean: Neptune’s Harvest Fish Fertilizer 2-4-1
Product Comparison: Best Fish Emulsion Fertilizer For Roses
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
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 – 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
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 (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.
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.
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
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 key features should I look for in a fish emulsion fertilizer for roses?
Choose a product with a balanced NPK ratio (around 2-3-1 to 5-1-1) that supplies nitrogen for foliage and phosphorus for blooming. Look for 100% organic formulas that include micronutrients and amino acids to strengthen root systems. Low‑odor or deodorized options are preferable for indoor or patio use, and certifications like OMRI indicate suitability for organic gardening.
How does the NPK ratio influence rose growth, and which ratios work best?
Roses benefit from a higher nitrogen level to promote lush leaves, while a modest phosphorus amount supports flower development; a ratio such as 5‑1‑1 or 2‑3‑1 is commonly recommended. Products like the Alaska 5‑1‑1 concentrate or the 2‑3‑1 gallon from the organic fish emulsion provide this balance. Adjust the dilution rate if you need more foliage growth or more blooms, following the label instructions.
Which fish emulsion offers the best value for a larger rose garden?
The 1‑gallon Organic Fish Emulsion (2‑3‑1 NPK) gives the lowest cost per ounce and can be diluted for many applications, making it economical for extensive plantings. The Alaska 5‑1‑1 Gallon also provides a high volume at a competitive price, especially if you need a stronger nitrogen boost. Compare the price per usable gallon after dilution to determine the most cost‑effective choice.
Do any of these fertilizers have a noticeable fish odor, and should I worry about it?
Traditional liquid emulsions often have a strong smell; the Alaska 5‑1‑1 Gallon is deodorized with natural wintergreen to reduce odor. The 1‑gallon organic fish emulsion explicitly mentions a pungent fish scent, which indicates a genuine fish source but may be off‑putting near living spaces. If odor is a concern, opt for deodorized or powder forms like the 12‑2‑2 fish protein powder.
Are organic certifications important when choosing a fish emulsion for roses?
Yes, certifications such as OMRI listed confirm the product meets organic standards and can be used in certified organic gardens. The Alaska Fish Fertilizer (OMRI listed) and Central Garden Brands both carry this designation. Certified products also tend to have stricter quality controls, which can translate to more consistent plant performance.
Which product is the easiest to apply for a home gardener who waters roses weekly?
Liquid concentrates like the Central Garden Brands 1‑Quart or the Heirloom Roses Founder’s Fish Fertilizer can be mixed directly into watering cans for quick, weekly feedings. Powder options require measuring and dissolving, which adds a step but reduces storage space and odor. For simplicity, a ready‑to‑mix liquid with clear dosage instructions is the most user‑friendly.
How do liquid fish emulsions compare to powder fish fertilizers for rose health?
Liquids are absorbed quickly and are ideal for regular, light feedings, helping maintain steady nutrient levels throughout the growing season. Powders, such as the 12‑2‑2 fish protein powder, are highly concentrated, reduce storage odor, and can be mixed into large batches for less frequent applications. Choose liquids for convenience and powders for long‑term storage and reduced smell.