Comparison: Best Fish Emulsion For Flowers (Updated | Dec 1st)
If you’re looking to give your flowers a natural boost, fish emulsion might just be your garden’s new best friend. But with so many options on the shelf, how do you know which one delivers the most vibrant blooms? We’ve dug into the details, tested the top contenders, and compared their ingredients, effectiveness, and value so you don’t have to. Whether you’re growing roses, petunias, or zinnias, the right fish emulsion can make all the difference—let’s find the perfect fit for your flourishing flower beds.
- Best for odor-free boost: Alaska Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 Concentrate 1 Gallon (Packaging may vary)
- Best for cold-pressed pure: 1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer for Plants – Ideal Liquid Fish Fertilizer for Plants
- Best for compact power: Fish Emulsion Fertilizer
- Best for deep green formula: Fertilome (10611) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (16 oz)
- Best for large green boost: Fertilome (10612) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (32 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 hydrolysate: Fish Hydrolysate Fertilizer for Vegetables & Plants – NPK 2-3-2 Fish Emulsion for Lawn
- Best for large complete blend: Fish Emulsion Fertilizer
- Best for fish-kelp boost: Down To Earth All Natural Fertilizers Organic Liquid Fish & Kelp Concentrate – Plant Food for Vegetable Gardens and Flower Beds – Makes up to 32 Gallons 2-4-1
Product Comparison: Best Fish Emulsion For Flowers
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
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, 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 (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.
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
Fish Hydrolysate Fertilizer for Vegetables & Plants – NPK 2-3-2 Fish Emulsion for Lawn, Flowers, Fruits & Vegetables in Garden or Farm (16 fl oz)
- Rich in amino acids and nutrients
- Natural and eco-friendly
- Boosts plant growth and vitality
- Works both as soil drench & foliar spray
- helps add organic matter to soil
- Will not burn plants, no bad 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
Fish Emulsion Fertilizer, Complete Fish Emulsion Plant Food, 32 oz (1 Quart)
- Complete fish fertilizer for thriving plants
- Helps growth with natural harvest salmon nutrients
- Easy-to-follow care instructions included
- Made in the USA
Down To Earth All Natural Fertilizers Organic Liquid Fish & Kelp Concentrate – Plant Food for Vegetable Gardens and Flower Beds – Makes up to 32 Gallons 2-4-1, 32 oz
- Fast‑acting liquid formula: Perfect for foliar feed or soil drench applications, supporting quick absorption and growth stimulation.
- Stimulates overall plant vigor: High phosphorus aids flowering and fruiting, while nitrogen supports lush foliage and root development.
- Organic & soil‑friendly: Helps promote beneficial microbial activity and sustainable soil health due to its fish and kelp base
- Versatile application rates: For general garden use: ¼–½ cup per gallon of water; for containers: 2–4 Tbsp per gallon; for houseplants: 2 Tbsp per gallon, repeated every 2–4 weeks depending on growth stage
- Watch out for odor: While extremely effective, many users report a strong fish-like odor characteristic of fish emulsions—though it typically subsides quickly and doesn’t linger long indoors
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 ideal for encouraging strong flower blooms?
For most flowering plants a balanced ratio with slightly higher phosphorus works best; a 2‑3‑1 or 3‑2‑2 NPK provides enough nitrogen for foliage while boosting bloom development. The 1‑gallon Organic Fish Emulsion (2‑3‑1) and the 12‑2‑2 powder both meet this need, with the powder offering a higher phosphorus boost for heavy bloomers.
How important is odor when selecting a fish emulsion for indoor or patio flowers?
Odor can be a deciding factor if you grow plants close to living spaces; some emulsions are deodorized with wintergreen, like Alaska Fish Emulsion, while others retain a strong fish scent, such as the 1‑gallon Organic Fish Emulsion. If you prefer a milder aroma, choose a deodorized or powder form, which typically has reduced smell compared to liquid concentrates.
Should I use a liquid or powder fish emulsion for my flower beds?
Liquid emulsions, like Liquinox 5‑1‑1 or the Alaska concentrate, are easy to mix and apply as a foliar spray or soil drench, providing quick nutrient uptake. Powder options, such as the 12‑2‑2 Fish Emulsion Powder, have a longer shelf life, lower odor, and can be diluted to cover large areas, making them cost‑effective for extensive flower beds.
Which product gives the best value per volume for flowering plants?
When comparing price‑per‑gallon, the Alaska Fish Emulsion 5‑1‑1 and Liquinox 5‑1‑1 both offer 1‑gallon containers at similar cost, but Alaska adds a deodorized wintergreen scent for added comfort. For larger budgets, the 12‑2‑2 powder stretches up to 300 gallons of feed per pound, delivering the lowest cost per application while still supporting vigorous blooms.
Are there any safety concerns when using fish emulsion on edible flowers?
Fish emulsions are generally safe for edible plants because they are organic and free of synthetic chemicals, but it’s best to wash harvested flowers thoroughly to remove any surface residue. Products like the Down To Earth Fish & Kelp concentrate list no harmful additives, making them suitable for edible varieties when used as directed.
How do added micronutrients like iron, manganese, and zinc affect flower performance?
Micronutrients support enzymatic processes that improve chlorophyll production and overall plant vigor, leading to healthier foliage that can sustain more blooms. Liquinox 5‑1‑1 explicitly lists iron, manganese, and zinc, giving it an edge for gardeners who want a complete nutrient profile without supplementing separately.
Is a higher nitrogen formula detrimental to flower production?
Excess nitrogen encourages leaf growth at the expense of flower development, so a high‑nitrogen formula like 5‑1‑1 should be used sparingly during the vegetative stage and reduced once buds appear. Switching to a lower‑nitrogen, higher‑phosphorus blend such as the 2‑3‑1 or 12‑2‑2 during bloom can help redirect energy toward flower formation.
How does concentration affect how often I need to apply fish emulsion?
More concentrated products, like the 5‑1‑1 liquid emulsions, typically require fewer applications—often every 3‑4 weeks—because they deliver a larger nutrient load per dose. Diluted powders or lower‑strength formulas may need to be applied every 2‑3 weeks to maintain consistent nutrient availability for continuous blooming.