Comparison: Best Fish Emulsion For Lettuce (Updated | Dec 1st)
If you’re growing lettuce, you already know it thrives with a little extra love—and fish emulsion can be that secret ingredient. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which one truly delivers lush, crisp greens without breaking the bank? We’ve dug into the details, tested popular formulas, and considered smell, nutrient balance, and ease of use to bring you the best fish emulsions for your lettuce. Let’s find the one that’ll make your garden—and your salads—shine.
Alaska Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 Concentrate 1 Gallon (Packaging may vary)
Wintergreen Odor-Free
- Best for wintergreen odor-free: Alaska Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 Concentrate 1 Gallon (Packaging may vary)
- Best for salmon nutrient boost: Fish Emulsion Fertilizer
- Best for cold-pressed fresh: 1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer for Plants – Ideal Liquid Fish Fertilizer for Plants
- Best for compact 16oz green: Fertilome (10611) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (16 oz)
- Best for 32oz value pack: Fertilome (10612) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (32 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 hydrolysate foliar: Fish Hydrolysate Fertilizer for Vegetables & Plants – NPK 2-3-2 Fish Emulsion for Lawn
- Best for quart strength: Fish Emulsion Fertilizer
- Best for kelp-infused blend: EB Stone Fish Emulsion with Kelp
Product Comparison: Best Fish Emulsion For Lettuce
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
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
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
Fish Hydrolysate Fertilizer for Vegetables & Plants – NPK 2-3-2 Fish Emulsion for Lawn, Flowers, Fruits & Vegetables in Garden or Farm (16 fl oz)
- Rich in amino acids and nutrients
- Natural and eco-friendly
- Boosts plant growth and vitality
- Works both as soil drench & foliar spray
- helps add organic matter to soil
- Will not burn plants, no bad odor
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
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
EB Stone Fish Emulsion with Kelp, Quart Size
- All natural plant food to help plants grow, flower, fruit and stay deep green.
- This liquid fertilizer is concentrated and must be diluted before use.
- Derived from: Whole fish and Kelp.
- Quart size
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 ideal for growing lettuce with fish emulsion?
Lettuce thrives on a balanced, low‑nitrogen formula such as 2-3-1 or 2-3-2, which encourages leafy growth without excessive vigor. The 1‑gallon Organic Fish Emulsion (2‑3‑1) and the Fish Hydrolysate (2‑3‑2) both match this profile, making them strong choices for lettuce. Higher‑nitrogen blends like 5‑1‑1 are better suited for rapid vegetative growth in other crops.
How does liquid fish emulsion compare to powder form for larger garden plots?
Liquid emulsions, like the 1‑gallon Alaska Fish Emulsion (5‑1‑1) or the 1‑gallon Organic Fish Emulsion (2‑3‑1), are easy to mix and apply directly to soil or as a foliar spray, but you need more containers for big areas. Powdered options, such as the 12‑2‑2 Fish Emulsion Powder (3.3 lb), are highly concentrated and can be reconstituted to cover up to 100 gallons, saving storage space and reducing shipping weight. The powder also tends to have a milder odor, which can be a plus for indoor or community garden settings.
Which product gives the best value per gallon of fertilizer?
When measuring cost per usable gallon, the 5‑gallon Alaska Fish Emulsion (5‑1‑1) generally offers the lowest price per unit, especially for growers who need large volumes. For smaller budgets, the 8‑oz Fish Emulsion (Complete Fish Emulsion Plant Food) provides a convenient starter size, though the per‑gallon cost is higher. Consider the intended application rate; a higher‑NPK product may require less volume, narrowing the price gap.
Does deodorized fish emulsion perform differently than traditional smelly versions?
Deodorized formulas, such as the Alaska Fish Emulsion with natural wintergreen scent, use the same base nutrients as regular emulsions, so plant performance remains comparable. The added fragrance does not dilute the nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium content. However, some growers report a slightly slower nutrient release due to the masking agents, though the difference is usually minimal for lettuce production.
Can I use the same fish emulsion for lettuce and other vegetables in my garden?
Yes, most fish emulsions are versatile and work across a range of vegetables, but the optimal NPK ratio may vary. For leafy greens like lettuce, a lower‑nitrogen blend (2‑3‑1 or 2‑3‑2) is preferred, while fruiting vegetables often benefit from higher nitrogen like 5‑1‑1. Adjust the dilution rate accordingly to match each crop’s growth stage.
What dilution rate should I use for lettuce seedlings versus mature plants?
For lettuce seedlings, a gentle solution of about 1 tablespoon of 5‑1‑1 emulsion per 5 gallons of water or ½ tablespoon of a 2‑3‑1 liquid per 5 gallons is sufficient to avoid burn. Mature lettuce can handle a slightly stronger mix, such as 2 tablespoons per 5 gallons, applied as a soil drench every two weeks. Always start with the weakest concentration and observe plant response before increasing.
Are there any added micronutrients I should look for in fish emulsion?
Micronutrients like iron, manganese, and zinc enhance chlorophyll formation and overall plant health. Products such as Liquinox 7128 Fish Emulsion (5‑1‑1) list these trace elements explicitly, making them a good option for nutrient‑deficient soils. While most fish emulsions contain natural micronutrients, choosing a formula that lists them can provide extra assurance for optimal lettuce growth.