Comparison: Best Buy Fish Emulsion Fertilizer (Updated | Nov 30th)
If your garden’s looking a little under the weather, it might just be craving some good old-fashioned fish emulsion fertilizer. Smelly? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely. We’ve all seen the bottles lining the shelves at Best Buy, promising greener leaves and bigger blooms—but which one actually delivers? After digging into the ingredients, user reviews, and real garden results, we’ve narrowed down the top picks.
1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer for Plants – Ideal Liquid Fish Fertilizer for Plants
Sustainable Soil Drench
- Best for omri certified liquid: Alaska Fish Fertilizer OMRI Listed 5-1-1
- Best for wintergreen deodorized: Alaska Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 Concentrate 1 Gallon (Packaging may vary)
- Best for vitamin-rich emulsion: CENTRAL GARDEN BRANDS 100099247 Fish Emul Fertilizer
- Best for salmon nutrient boost: Fish Emulsion Fertilizer
- Best for sustainable soil drench: 1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer for Plants – Ideal Liquid Fish Fertilizer for Plants
- Best for low-odor powder: Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 12-2-2 Powder (3.3 pounds Powder-Up to 300 Gallons of Water)
- Best for compact 5-1-1: Fertilome (10611) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (16 oz)
- Best for large 5-1-1: Fertilome (10612) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (32 oz)
- Best for odorless cold-processed: Neptune’s Harvest Fish Fertilizer 2-4-1
- Best for all-purpose gallon: Liquinox 7128 Fish Emulsion 5-1-1 Fertilizer
Product Comparison: Best Buy Fish Emulsion 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
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
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
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!
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
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.
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
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
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 general garden use?
For most vegetable, flower, and fruit gardens a balanced 5-1-1 ratio provides ample nitrogen for leaf growth while still supplying phosphorus and potassium for root development and fruiting. Products like Alaska Fish Fertilizer OMRI Listed 5-1-1 and Liquinox 5-1-1 follow this classic ratio. If you need a slightly higher nitrogen boost for leafy greens, the 12-2-2 powder from B0F38LT29B offers a stronger nitrogen concentration.
How does liquid fish emulsion compare to powder form?
Liquid emulsions, such as the 1‑gallon Alaska Fish Emulsion and the 8 oz Complete Fish Emulsion, are ready‑to‑mix and ideal for quick foliar feeds or soil drenches, but they can have a strong fishy odor. Powdered fish fertilizer (12‑2‑2 powder) dissolves into a clear solution, reduces odor, and is highly concentrated, allowing you to treat up to 100 gallons of water with just one pound. Choose liquid for convenience and powder for storage efficiency and lower smell.
Do any of these fish fertilizers have reduced odor?
Yes, the Alaska Fish Emulsion (B002RH0B26) is deodorized with natural wintergreen, making it less pungent than traditional emulsions. The powder version (B0F38LT29B) also minimizes odor because the fish proteins are dried and ground. However, the 1‑gallon organic fish emulsion (B09FZTPQJL) advertises a strong fish smell, which some gardeners view as a sign of authenticity.
Which product gives the best value per ounce?
The 1‑gallon Alaska Fish Emulsion (B002RH0B26) and the 1‑gallon organic fish emulsion (B09FZTPQJL) both provide large volumes at a low cost per ounce, especially when compared to smaller containers like the 8 oz Complete Fish Emulsion. The 3.3‑lb powder (B0F38LT29B) also offers excellent value because one pound can treat up to 100 gallons of water, stretching the product far beyond typical liquid bottles.
Is an OMRI listing important for my organic garden?
An OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute) listing, like the one on Alaska Fish Fertilizer OMRI Listed 5-1-1, confirms that the product meets strict organic standards and can be used in certified organic production. While non‑OMRI products are still derived from natural fish sources, they may not be eligible for organic certification. If you are pursuing organic certification, choose an OMRI‑listed fertilizer.
How do dilution rates differ among the products?
Most 5‑1‑1 liquid emulsions recommend mixing 1‑2 tablespoons per gallon of water for general plant feeding, as seen on Fertilome 5‑1‑1 (16 oz and 32 oz). The concentrated 1‑gallon Alaska Fish Emulsion suggests a similar rate but can be diluted further for larger areas. The 12‑2‑2 powder is mixed at 1 lb per 100 gallons, providing a very low‑volume, high‑yield solution for extensive gardens or hydroponic setups.
Can I safely use these fish fertilizers on indoor plants?
Yes, many of the listed products, such as the Alaska Fish Fertilizer OMRI Listed 5‑1‑1 and Central Garden Brands Fish Emulsion, are labeled safe for indoor use and will not burn foliage when properly diluted. Indoor growers often prefer the deodorized Alaska Fish Emulsion or the powder form to minimize odor in enclosed spaces. Always follow the recommended dilution to avoid over‑feeding houseplants.
Do any of these fertilizers include extra micronutrients?
Liquinox 5‑1‑1 (1‑gallon) explicitly lists iron, manganese, and zinc as part of its formula, providing a micronutrient boost alongside the primary NPK values. Neptune’s Harvest Fish Fertilizer (2‑4‑1) contains a full spectrum of micro and macro nutrients retained from the cold‑process fish, and it boasts no unpleasant odor. If micronutrient enrichment is a priority, Liquinox and Neptune’s Harvest are strong choices.