Comparison: Best Fish Emulsion 5 Gallon (Updated | Dec 1st)
If you’re looking to give your garden a natural boost, fish emulsion is a tried-and-true favorite—and a 5-gallon size is perfect for serious growers. But with so many options out there, how do you know which one delivers the best results? We’ve dug into the top contenders, comparing nutrient content, smell, ease of use, and value, so you don’t have to guess. Whether you’re feeding tomatoes, roses, or leafy greens, the right fish emulsion can make all the difference. Let’s find your garden’s perfect match.
- Best for wintergreen fresh: 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 eco hydropressed: 1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer for Plants – Ideal Liquid Fish Fertilizer for Plants
- Best for seaweed enriched: Neptune’s Harvest Fish & Seaweed Fertilizer 2-3-1
- Best for low-odor powder: Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 12-2-2 Powder (3.3 pounds Powder-Up to 300 Gallons of Water)
- Best for macro-micro blend: GS Plant Foods Organic Liquid Fish Fertilizer – Natures Growth Boost
- Best for fish-kelp fusion: Omri Listed Fish & Kelp Fertilizer by GS Plant Foods (5 Gallons) – Organic Fertilizer for Vegetables
- Best for salmon boost: Fish Emulsion Fertilizer
- Best for deep green formula: Fertilome (10612) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (32 oz)
Product Comparison: Best Fish Emulsion 5 Gallon
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
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 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
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.
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.
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
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 should I look for when choosing a 5‑gallon fish emulsion fertilizer?
Focus on the N‑P‑K ratio, odor control, and whether the formula includes additional micronutrients or seaweed. A 5‑gallon size is ideal for larger gardens, so consider concentration; higher N (like 5‑1‑1) promotes leafy growth, while lower N (2‑4‑1) supports fruiting. Also check for OMRI certification if you need an organic label.
How does Neptune’s Harvest 5‑gallon fish fertilizer differ from Alaska Fish Emulsion?
Neptune’s Harvest uses a cold‑process that preserves vitamins, amino acids, and hormones, and it claims a reduced fishy odor. Alaska Fish Emulsion offers a 5‑1‑1 ratio and is deodorized with natural wintergreen, making it gentler on the nose. Both are 5‑gallon, but Neptune’s focuses on nutrient retention while Alaska emphasizes burn‑free, low‑odor use.
Is a powder fish fertilizer like the 12‑2‑2 Fish Emulsion Powder a good alternative to liquid emulsion?
Powder forms are highly concentrated, so a small amount can treat up to 100 gallons of water, which is cost‑effective for large plots. They also tend to have a reduced odor compared to liquid emulsions. However, you’ll need to mix thoroughly and may prefer liquids for quick foliar applications.
Can I use a 5‑gallon fish emulsion for both soil drenching and foliar feeding?
Yes, most 5‑gallon fish emulsions are versatile enough for soil drench, foliar spray, or incorporation into irrigation systems. Dilute according to the label—typically 1‑2 Tbsp per gallon of water for soil and a lighter spray for foliage. This dual use maximizes value by reducing the need for separate products.
What are the benefits of choosing a fish‑and‑seaweed blend like Neptune’s Harvest 2‑3‑1?
Seaweed adds natural hormones and micronutrients that complement the nitrogen from fish, promoting stronger roots and more vibrant blooms. The 2‑3‑1 ratio is balanced for both vegetative and reproductive growth, making it suitable for vegetables, flowers, and shrubs. Blended formulas often provide better overall plant health than fish‑only products.
How important is odor when selecting a fish emulsion?
Odor can affect comfort during storage and application; deodorized options like Alaska Fish Emulsion use wintergreen to mask the smell. While a mild fish scent often indicates a genuine product, heavily scented emulsions may be less pleasant but still effective. Choose based on your tolerance and where you’ll be applying it.
Is the higher N‑P‑K ratio of 5‑1‑1 worth the extra cost for a 5‑gallon container?
A 5‑1‑1 ratio delivers more nitrogen, which accelerates leaf growth—ideal for lawns, foliage plants, and early‑season feeding. If your garden focuses on fruiting or flowering, a lower nitrogen blend (like 2‑4‑1) may provide better results and be more economical. Evaluate your plant types and growth stage before deciding.
What value‑added features should I compare across these 5‑gallon fish emulsions?
Look for certifications (OMRI organic), added micronutrients (iron, zinc, manganese), and supplemental ingredients like kelp or seaweed. Also compare packaging durability, recommended application rates, and any included usage guides. These factors can influence long‑term performance and overall cost‑effectiveness.