Comparison: Best 5 1 1 Fish Emulsion Fertilizer (Updated | Dec 1st)
If your garden’s looking a little under the weather, it might just be craving some good old-fashioned fish power. Fish emulsion fertilizers have been a gardener’s secret weapon for years—rich in nutrients, fast-acting, and perfect for everything from veggies to flowers. But with so many options out there, how do you know which one’s truly the best?
- Best for wintergreen deodorized: Alaska Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 Concentrate 1 Gallon (Packaging may vary)
- Best for omri certified: Alaska Fish Fertilizer OMRI Listed 5-1-1
- Best for vitamin rich: CENTRAL GARDEN BRANDS 100099247 Fish Emul Fertilizer
- Best for deep green: Fertilome (10611) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (16 oz)
- Best for 32oz value: Fertilome (10612) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (32 oz)
- Best for nutrient boost: Liquinox 7128 Fish Emulsion 5-1-1 Fertilizer
- Best for 2-pack concentrate: Lilly Miller Alaska Fish Fertilizer 5-1-1 Concentrate 1 Quart (2-Pack)
- Best for sustainable fish: 1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer for Plants – Ideal Liquid Fish Fertilizer for Plants
- Best for 1-gallon pro: Fertilome (10614) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (1 gal)
- Best for all-purpose 5-1-1: Alaska Fish Emulsion Fertilizer All Purpose 5-1-1 1 gal
Product Comparison: Best 5 1 1 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
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
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
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.
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
Lilly Miller Alaska Fish Fertilizer 5-1-1 Concentrate 1 Quart (2-Pack)
- 2 pack
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 (10614) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (1 gal)
- 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 should I look for in a 5‑1‑1 fish emulsion fertilizer?
Check the NPK ratio (5‑1‑1) to ensure balanced nutrition, and verify that the product is 100 % organic and OMRI listed if you garden organically. Look for size options that match your garden scale, such as 1‑gallon for larger beds or 16‑oz for container plants. Also consider additional benefits like added micronutrients, deodorization, or a non‑burn formula.
How does the Alaska Fish Emulsion Concentrate compare to the standard Alaska Fish Fertilizer?
The Concentrate (1 gallon) is a higher‑strength formula that you dilute before use, giving you more applications per container, while the standard 115‑oz version is pre‑diluted for immediate use. Both are OMRI listed and have the same 5‑1‑1 ratio, but the concentrate may be more cost‑effective for frequent growers. The regular version may be easier for beginners who prefer a ready‑to‑use product.
Is there a noticeable difference in odor between the products?
Alaska’s fish emulsion is deodorized with natural wintergreen, reducing the typical fishy smell, whereas many other brands, like the generic 1‑gallon organic fish emulsion, retain a stronger fish odor. If scent is a concern for indoor use or close‑quarter gardening, the deodorized options are preferable. However, a stronger smell often indicates a less processed, more natural product.
Which product offers the best value for large‑scale gardening?
The 1‑gallon containers, such as Alaska Fish Emulsion All Purpose 5‑1‑1 and Liquinox 7128, provide the lowest cost per ounce and are ideal for extensive beds or lawns. Larger volumes also reduce packaging waste and the frequency of re‑ordering. For gardeners needing a high‑volume supply, choosing a concentrate you can dilute yourself often yields the best price‑performance ratio.
Do any of these fish emulsions include extra micronutrients?
Liquinox 7128 lists iron, manganese, and zinc as active ingredients, offering a broader nutrient spectrum beyond the basic NPK. Central Garden Brands emphasizes 11 vitamins, which can support overall plant vigor. If you want supplemental micronutrients, those two products provide added benefits over plain fish emulsion formulas.
How important is the OMRI listing when selecting a fish emulsion?
An OMRI listing confirms the product meets organic certification standards, which is crucial for certified organic farms or gardeners who want to avoid synthetic inputs. Several items, like Alaska Fish Fertilizer 115 oz and the 1‑gallon Alaska Fish Emulsion, carry this certification. If organic compliance is a priority, choose an OMRI‑listed product over non‑listed alternatives.
What are the practical differences between the 16‑oz, 32‑oz, and 1‑gallon sizes?
Smaller sizes (16‑oz, 32‑oz) are convenient for trial runs, container gardening, or limited storage space, while 1‑gallon containers are more economical for regular, larger‑area applications. Dilution rates remain consistent across sizes, so you’ll use the same amount of product per gallon of water regardless of container volume. Consider how often you plan to fertilize and the storage conditions when picking a size.