Comparison: Best Fish Based Fertilizer (Updated | Dec 1st)
If your garden’s looking a little under the weather, it might just be craving some good old-fashioned fish fertilizer. Smelly? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely. But with so many options out there—from liquid concentrates to powders—how do you know which one’s worth your time (and nose)? Let’s dive into the best fish-based fertilizers on the market and help you find the perfect fit for your green thumb dreams.
- Best for vitamin-rich boost: CENTRAL GARDEN BRANDS 100099247 Fish Emul Fertilizer
- Best for omri certified blend: Alaska Fish Fertilizer OMRI Listed 5-1-1
- Best for hydrolyzed nutrient power: GS Plant Foods Organic Liquid Fish Fertilizer – Natures Growth Boost
- Best for wintergreen deodorized: Alaska Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 Concentrate 1 Gallon (Packaging may vary)
- Best for veg stage boost: Grow 3-1-2 Organic Liquid Fertilizer
- Best for fish & kelp fusion: GS Plant Foods Liquid Fish & Kelp Fertilizer (1 Gallon) – Organic Material Review Institute Listed Natural Plant Food for Home Gardens
- Best for salmon nutrient mix: Fish Emulsion Fertilizer
- Best for aquarium root tabs: API ROOT TABS Freshwater Aquarium Plant Fertilizer 0.4-Ounce 10-Count Box
- Best for omega-rich salmon: Bloom City Organic Wild Fish Fertilizer and Plant Supplement
- Best for root-boost bone meal: Down To Earth All Natural Fertilizers Organic Fish Bone Meal – High Phosphorus Plant Food for Buds
Product Comparison: Best Fish Based 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
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
GS Plant Foods Organic Liquid Fish Fertilizer – Natures Growth Boost, OMRI-Certified, Hydrolyzed, Fish-Based, Organic Gardening Solution, 1 Quart
- 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.
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
Grow 3-1-2 Organic Liquid Fertilizer, Vegitative, Fish Based, Safe, Organic, All Purpose, Nutrient, Plant Safe (8 Ounce)
- Optimal Growth Formula: Specifically designed for soil growers, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use in any soil media. Great for vegetable gardens, flowers, indoor plants and trees. Excellent nutrient to use on plants and herbs during the vegetative stage.
- Easy Application: No need to worry about PPM or PH levels (as long as tap water is within the normal range). Just one tablespoon mixed per gallon of water, fed weekly. Since its Organic you don’t have to worry about burning your plants or roots like with synthetic fertilizers.
- Organic: Registered Organic with the California Dept. of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), ensuring a safe and effective product. Keep the life and biology in your soil by using this premium organic fertilizer.
- Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Made from sugar beet extract, corn steep liquor, reduced sugar molasses, and acidulated fish tankage to provide essential nutrients your plants will love.
- Complete Feeding Solution: Best results when used alongside other recommended Mission Fertilizers according to the feeding schedule. We have an organic solution for all stages of growth.
GS Plant Foods Liquid Fish & Kelp Fertilizer (1 Gallon) – Organic Material Review Institute Listed Natural Plant Food for Home Gardens, Lawns, and Vegetables
- ORGANIC MATERIALS REVIEW INSTITUTE LISTED FOR TRUSTED GARDEN CARE Certified by OMRI for use in organic growing, GS Plant Foods Liquid Fish & Kelp Fertilizer delivers reliable, natural nutrition for vegetables, lawns, flowers, and shrubs.
- SEA-AND-SOIL BASED NUTRITION Made from North Atlantic seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum) and fresh fish hydrolysate, this liquid concentrate provides essential nutrients and trace minerals that help support healthy soil and plant development.
- IMPROVES SOIL MICROBIOLOGY & NUTRIENT UPTAKE Supports a thriving soil ecosystem that promotes strong root systems and efficient nutrient absorption — the foundation for resilient, productive plants.
- EASY-TO-USE CONCENTRATE FOR ALL PLANTS Mix 2 oz per gallon of water and apply as a foliar spray or soil drench every 2–4 weeks. Safe for use on vegetables, fruits, ornamentals, turf, and houseplants.
- MADE IN THE USA – SUSTAINABLY PRODUCED Proudly produced by GS Plant Foods as a licensed fertilizer manufacturer. No synthetic chemicals, additives, or fillers — just natural ingredients formulated for healthy home gardens and hobby farms.
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
API ROOT TABS Freshwater Aquarium Plant Fertilizer 0.4-Ounce 10-Count Box
- Contains one (1) API ROOT TABS Freshwater Aquarium Plant Fertilizer 0. 4-Ounce 10-Count Box
- Promotes strong root development for lush plants in freshwater aquariums
- Contains essential nutrients including iron, potassium and carbon
- Helps new aquatic plants get off to a vigorous start and to keep established plants flourishing
- Add tablets to gravel bed every month to ensure best results
Bloom City Organic Wild Fish Fertilizer and Plant Supplement, Great for Roots and Soil, Made from Sustainable Salmon, Quart (32 oz)
- FROM SUSTAINABLE ALASKAN SALMON: Great for Soil and Plants, for indoor and outdoor use.
- CONTAINS SALMON EMULSION AND SALMON OIL: Very high in omega 3 Fatty Acids for Plants. More Amino Acids than any other brand.
- SMELLS LIKE FISH: You know this is the good stuff, because is really really smells like ocean and fish.
- HIGHEST QUALITY, MOST POTENT, BEST VALUE, BIGGEST YIELD: Bloom City’s ingredients are better for plants, better for you, and better for the planet. Simply the best choice for the conscientious grower.
- FORMULATED AND MADE IN THE USA: Designed by botanists and plant chemists in Seattle, Washington. Bloom City chooses only the highest quality ingredient sources and manufacturing methods to create the world’s best craft growing nutrient systems.
Down To Earth All Natural Fertilizers Organic Fish Bone Meal – High Phosphorus Plant Food for Buds, Bulbs, Blooms, Flower Beds 4-12-0, 5 lb
- Water-Soluble Formula – Easily dissolves in water for quick absorption and efficient nutrient delivery directly to the root zone
- Targets Root Development – Formulated to enhance root growth, improving plant stability, nutrient uptake, and drought resistance
- Fast-Acting Nutrients – Provides immediate access to essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium where roots need them most.
- Ideal for Transplants & Seedlings – Great for jumpstarting young plants or helping transplants establish quickly in new soil.
- Improves Soil-Root Interaction – Encourages a healthy rhizosphere, boosting microbial activity and root-zone nutrient cycling.
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 factors should I consider when choosing a fish‑based fertilizer?
Look at the N‑P‑K ratio, organic certification (such as OMRI listing), and the concentration of nutrients per ounce or gallon. Also compare the form (liquid vs. emulsion) and any added ingredients like kelp or salmon oil that can boost micronutrients. Finally, consider the intended use—indoor plants, vegetables, or lawns—to match the product’s recommended application rates.
How does a liquid fish fertilizer differ from a fish emulsion concentrate?
Liquid fish fertilizers are typically pre‑diluted and ready to mix with water, making them convenient for foliar feeding and quick soil drenching. Fish emulsion concentrates are thicker, often requiring more dilution, but they usually provide a higher nutrient density per volume, which can be more cost‑effective for larger gardens. Both are organic, yet emulsions may have a stronger odor and may need deodorizing agents.
Which product offers the best value for a small indoor garden?
For compact indoor spaces, the 1‑quart Central Garden Brands Fish Emulsion provides a modest amount of nutrients without excess volume, and its 11‑vitamin blend supports healthy foliage. The smaller 8‑oz Fish Emulsion (B0DQR1X69R) is also cost‑effective, offering a convenient size for occasional top‑dressing. Both are priced competitively, but the quart size gives a slightly lower cost per ounce.
Is an OMRI‑listed fish fertilizer worth the extra price?
OMRI listing guarantees the product meets organic standards, which is important for certified organic gardening or for those avoiding synthetic additives. Products like GS Plant Foods Organic Liquid Fish and Alaska Fish Fertilizer carry this certification and often include additional micronutrients and beneficial microbes. While they may cost a bit more, the assurance of purity and compliance can justify the premium for serious growers.
Can I mix a fish fertilizer with other organic feeds, such as kelp or bone meal?
Yes, many fish fertilizers are designed to work synergistically with other organic amendments. For example, GS Plant Foods’ Fish & Kelp blend combines fish hydrolysate with seaweed to enhance nutrient uptake and soil biology. Pairing a fish emulsion with a bone‑meal product like Down To Earth Fish Bone Meal can boost phosphorus for root development without risking nutrient lockout.
What are the advantages of a fertilizer that includes salmon oil or omega‑3 fatty acids?
Salmon‑based formulas, such as Bloom City Organic Wild Fish Fertilizer, provide high levels of omega‑3 fatty acids and amino acids that can improve plant stress tolerance and promote vigorous root growth. These compounds also support beneficial soil microbes, enhancing overall soil health. The trade‑off is a stronger fishy odor, which some indoor gardeners may find undesirable.
How often should I apply fish‑based fertilizer to a vegetable garden?
Most liquid fish fertilizers recommend a weekly feeding at a low concentration, such as one tablespoon per gallon of water. For larger applications, like a lawn, a monthly schedule using a gallon mixed with 30–40 gallons of water is typical. Adjust frequency based on plant growth stage; seedlings benefit from lighter, more frequent feeds, while mature plants can handle higher doses every 2–4 weeks.
Which fish fertilizer is best for improving soil microbiology?
GS Plant Foods Organic Liquid Fish emphasizes a blend of macro and micro nutrients, peptides, and proteins that feed beneficial microbes, making it a strong choice for soil health. The Fish & Kelp combination further enhances microbial activity with seaweed extracts. Products that highlight “stimulates microorganisms” or “improves soil microbiology” are generally formulated to boost the rhizosphere.