Comparison: Best Fish Emulsion Fertilizer For Peppers (Updated | Dec 1st)
That’s where fish emulsion comes in—a natural powerhouse loved by gardeners for boosting growth and improving soil health. In this article, we’ll break down the top fish emulsion fertilizers, comparing ingredients, effectiveness, and value so you can feed your peppers with confidence and harvest the best crop yet.
- Best for vitamin-rich boost: CENTRAL GARDEN BRANDS 100099247 Fish Emul Fertilizer
- Best for wintergreen fresh: Alaska Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 Concentrate 1 Gallon (Packaging may vary)
- Best for salmon nutrient power: Fish Emulsion Fertilizer
- Best for omri certified: Alaska Fish Fertilizer OMRI Listed 5-1-1
- Best for yield-boosting formula: 1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer for Plants – Ideal Liquid Fish Fertilizer for Plants
- Best for deep green growth: Fertilome (10612) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (32 oz)
- Best for compact green boost: Fertilome (10611) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (16 oz)
- Best for low-odor powder: Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 12-2-2 Powder (3.3 pounds Powder-Up to 300 Gallons of Water)
- Best for odorless cold-process: Neptune’s Harvest Fish Fertilizer 2-4-1
- Best for all-purpose nutrient: Liquinox 7128 Fish Emulsion 5-1-1 Fertilizer
Product Comparison: Best Fish Emulsion Fertilizer For Peppers
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 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
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
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
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 (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.
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.
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
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 key nutrients should I look for in a fish emulsion fertilizer for pepper plants?
Peppers thrive on a balanced NPK ratio that promotes foliage and fruit development; a 5-1-1 or 2-3-1 ratio is ideal for steady growth. Look for products that also list micronutrients like iron, manganese, and zinc, which support healthy fruit set. Organic sources of amino acids and vitamins further boost plant vigor.
How does the concentration of fish emulsion affect application frequency for peppers?
Higher‑concentration formulas, such as the 1‑gallon concentrates, require dilution before use, allowing you to apply a weaker solution more often without risking burn. Lower‑strength products, like the 8‑oz bottles, are ready to use but may need more frequent applications to maintain nutrient levels. Adjust the mix based on plant stage: seedlings need milder feeds, while fruiting plants benefit from stronger feeds every 2‑3 weeks.
Is odor a concern when choosing a fish emulsion for indoor pepper gardens?
Yes, some emulsions have a strong fishy smell that can be unpleasant indoors. Deodorized options, such as the Alaska Fish Emulsion with natural wintergreen, reduce odor while still delivering nutrients. If you grow peppers in a greenhouse or indoor setup, selecting a low‑odor product can improve comfort without sacrificing performance.
What are the advantages of a powder‑form fish fertilizer versus a liquid emulsion for pepper production?
Powder formulations, like the 12‑2‑2 fish protein powder, have minimal odor and are easy to store, making them convenient for large‑scale or seasonal use. They also allow precise dosing, which can be diluted to cover many gallons of water, reducing waste. However, liquids often provide quicker nutrient uptake because they are already in solution, which can be beneficial during rapid fruiting stages.
How do OMRI‑listed fish emulsions benefit organic pepper growers?
OMRI‑listed products, such as the Alaska Fish Fertilizer 115 oz, are certified for use in certified organic production, ensuring compliance with organic standards. They contain only natural ingredients and no synthetic chemicals, which aligns with organic market requirements. Using an OMRI‑listed emulsion also reassures buyers that the peppers are truly organic from seed to harvest.
Which fish emulsion offers the best value for a small home garden growing peppers?
For a modest garden, the 1‑quart Central Garden Brands fish emulsion provides a reasonable price per ounce and includes 11 vitamins for overall plant health. It’s non‑burning and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, making it versatile for limited space. Larger containers, like the 1‑gallon options, lower the cost per unit but may be excess for small growers.
Can I use the same fish emulsion on both pepper plants and other vegetables, or should I choose a pepper‑specific formula?
Fish emulsions are generally all‑purpose and work well on a variety of vegetables, including peppers, tomatoes, and leafy greens. However, peppers benefit from a slightly higher nitrogen level during vegetative growth, so a 5‑1‑1 or 2‑3‑1 ratio is often preferred. Selecting a product with a balanced NPK and good micronutrient profile will serve both peppers and companion crops effectively.