Comparison: Best 5 Gallon Fish Emulsion (Updated | Dec 1st)
If you’re looking to give your garden a natural boost, fish emulsion is a tried-and-true favorite—but not all 5-gallon options are created equal. We’ve dug into the messy, smelly world of liquid fertilizers to find the best 5-gallon fish emulsions that deliver real results without breaking the bank. Let’s dive in.
Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 12-2-2 Powder (3.3 pounds Powder-Up to 300 Gallons of Water)
Powdered High-Nitrogen
- Best for wintergreen odor-free: Alaska Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 Concentrate 1 Gallon (Packaging may vary)
- Best for cold-processed boost: Neptune’s Harvest Fish Fertilizer 2-4-1 (5 Gallon Pail)
- Best for authentic fish aroma: 1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer for Plants – Ideal Liquid Fish Fertilizer for Plants
- Best for fish-seaweed blend: Neptune’s Harvest Fish & Seaweed Fertilizer 2-3-1
- Best for powdered high-nitrogen: Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 12-2-2 Powder (3.3 pounds Powder-Up to 300 Gallons of Water)
- Best for omri certified blend: GS Plant Foods Organic Liquid Fish Fertilizer – Natures Growth Boost
- Best for salmon nutrient boost: Fish Emulsion Fertilizer
- Best for fish-kelp omri: Omri Listed Fish & Kelp Fertilizer by GS Plant Foods (5 Gallons) – Organic Fertilizer for Vegetables
- Best for deep green formula: Fertilome (10612) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (32 oz)
Product Comparison: Best 5 Gallon Fish Emulsion
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
Neptune’s Harvest Fish Fertilizer 2-4-1 (5 Gallon Pail)
- Organic fertilizer made from fresh North Atlantic fish
- Made by a unique cold process that protects the vitamins, amino acids, enzymes and growth hormones
- Retains the fish proteins and oils and has no unpleasant odor
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 & Seaweed Fertilizer 2-3-1, 5 Gallon Pail
- 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
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
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
GS Plant Foods Organic Liquid Fish Fertilizer – Natures Growth Boost, OMRI-Certified, Hydrolyzed, Fish-Based, Organic Gardening Solution, 5 Gallons
- OMRI ORGANIC LISTED HYDROLYZED FISH FERTILIZER: GS Plant Foods Organic Liquid Fish is an all-natural high quality fresh fish liquid fertilizer that gives excellent plant growth, rebuilds soil, and offers higher production yields. Our fish fertilizer will help stimulate growth and improve plant health and color. Tremendously beneficial for soil quality and improved rooting, this organic fish fertilizer can be applied to any type of soil or plant without concern for waste or harmful chemicals.
- PACKED WITH MACRO & MICRO NUTRIENTS: Our proprietary and all-natural fish fertilizer provides much more than N-P-K (Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium) found in synthetic fertilizers. This fish plant fertilizer provides a comprehensive mix of macro & micro nutrients, minerals, peptides, proteins, and calcium, all in a usable form perfectly suited for maximum efficiency of uptake for your plants. The fish plant food fertilizer stimulates water penetration and increases nutrient assimilation.
- OPTIMAL PLANT GROWTH & HEALTH AT HOME OR COMMERCIALLY: Used in low concentrations, liquid fish fertilizer organic acts as an efficacious growth promoter. GS Plant Foods organic hydrolyzed fertilizer promotes growth of healthy bacteria. It is used extensively on a commercial basis, as well as at home as an organic soil conditioner. The end result is a powerfully effective, organic fertilizer and soil supplement that contains no chlorine or heavy metals. It is great for everything that grows!
- WORKS SYNERGISTICALLY WITH ALL FERTILIZERS:This liquid fish fertilizer is among the highest quality plant food products that you can get. It works synergistically with all fertilizers especially with a high quality liquid kelp fertilizer such as GS Plant Foods Organic Liquid Kelp. Use fish fertilizer on lawns, vegetables, fruits, trees & shrubs, seedlings and transplants as a regular healthful maintenance program to experience healthier plants with stronger, and more developed root systems.
- EASY TO APPLY FOR NATURAL GREAT RESULTS: Apply hydrolyzed fish fertilizer to improve specific growth stages. Apply generously to soil or as a foliar feed until leaves are wet, top and bottom. For lawns, one gallon of fertilizer mixed with 30-40 gallons of water will cover ¼ acre. Feed lawn every 4 weeks. Trees and shrubs use 4 oz per gallon of water. Feed by boring small holes 1 to 2 feet away from the root ball. Fill holes with solution. For best results, foliar feed early or late in the day.
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
Omri Listed Fish & Kelp Fertilizer by GS Plant Foods (5 Gallons) – Organic Fertilizer for Vegetables, Trees, Lawns, Shrubs, Flowers, Seeds & Plants – Hydrolyzed Fish and Seaweed Blend (5 Gallon)
- OMRI ORGANIC LISTED FISH AND SEAWEED BLEND: GS Plant Foods all-natural fresh fish liquid fertilizer is a high quality organic product that gives excellent plant growth, rebuilds soil, and offers higher production yields. The kelp fertilizer can be applied to any type of plants, trees, lawns, flowers, vegetables and seeds without concern for waste.
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.
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 N‑PK ratio should I look for in a 5‑gallon fish emulsion?
Most 5‑gallon fish emulsions range from 2‑4‑1 to 5‑1‑1, offering higher nitrogen for leafy growth or a more balanced blend for fruiting plants. Choose a higher nitrogen ratio (5‑1‑1) if you need rapid foliage development, and a lower ratio (2‑4‑1) for blooming or fruiting crops. Consider the specific needs of your garden and the stage of plant growth you are targeting.
How does a liquid fish emulsion compare to a powdered version in terms of odor and storage?
Liquid emulsions, like the 5‑gallon pails from Neptune’s Harvest, retain a natural fish scent but are often deodorized with wintergreen or other additives. Powdered fish fertilizer, such as the 12‑2‑2 powder, dramatically reduces odor and is easier to store because it doesn’t spoil as quickly. If you’re sensitive to smell or need a long‑term stock, the powder may be the better choice.
Is a higher concentration product more cost‑effective?
Concentrated formulas, for example the 12‑2‑2 powder that makes up to 300 gallons of feed, usually provide the lowest cost per acre when diluted correctly. Liquid concentrates like the 5‑gallon 2‑4‑1 emulsion also offer good value, but you’ll need more product to achieve the same coverage as a super‑concentrated powder. Compare the price per usable gallon to determine the best bang for your buck.
Do all fish emulsions qualify as organic?
Many of the listed products, such as Neptune’s Harvest and GS Plant Foods, are OMRI‑listed and meet organic certification standards. However, not every brand advertises organic status, so check the label for OMRI or USDA organic verification. Choosing an OMRI‑listed product ensures compliance with most organic gardening programs.
Can I use fish emulsion on both soil and foliar applications?
Yes, most liquid fish emulsions (e.g., Liquinox 5‑1‑1 and GS Plant Foods) are safe for both soil drenches and foliar sprays, providing nutrients directly to roots and leaves. Powdered forms must be mixed with water first, but the resulting solution can also be applied as a foliar feed. Follow the manufacturer’s dilution rates to avoid leaf burn.
What extra nutrients do fish emulsions provide beyond N‑P‑K?
Fish emulsions naturally contain micronutrients like iron, manganese, zinc, and calcium, as well as amino acids, peptides, and hormones that promote root development. Some blends, such as the GS Plant Foods formula, also include seaweed for additional potassium and growth stimulants. These secondary nutrients can improve overall plant vigor and soil biology.
How important is the deodorizing feature when buying fish emulsion?
Deodorized products, like Alaska Fish Emulsion with wintergreen, are designed for indoor or close‑quarter use where the fishy smell could be a nuisance. If you plan to apply the fertilizer outdoors where wind disperses odors, deodorization is less critical. Choose based on your comfort level with scent and the location of application.
What should I consider about application frequency for 5‑gallon fish emulsions?
Most manufacturers recommend feeding every 2–4 weeks, adjusting the schedule based on plant type and growth stage. Concentrated formulas may require less frequent applications, while milder blends benefit from regular, lighter feedings. Always monitor plant response and adjust dilution rates accordingly.