Comparison: Best Fish Emulsion For Gardenias (Updated | Dec 1st)
If you’re growing gardenias, you already know these beauties demand a little extra love—especially when it comes to feeding. That’s where fish emulsion comes in, a natural powerhouse packed with nutrients to keep your gardenias lush, fragrant, and blooming beautifully. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the best one? We’ve tested top fish emulsions to find which delivers the richest results without the funk. Let’s dive into the bottles that truly make gardenias thrive.
- Best for wintergreen deodorized: Alaska Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 Concentrate 1 Gallon (Packaging may vary)
- Best for salmon boost: Fish Emulsion Fertilizer
- Best for cold-pressed organic: 1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer for Plants – Ideal Liquid Fish Fertilizer for Plants
- Best for compact green grower: Fertilome (10611) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (16 oz)
- Best for bulk foliage builder: 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 eco hydrolysate: Fish Hydrolysate Fertilizer for Vegetables & Plants – NPK 2-3-2 Fish Emulsion for Lawn
- Best for salmon full-size: Fish Emulsion Fertilizer
- Best for certified organic power: Safergro Aqua Power Certified Organic Fish Emulsion Concentrate
Product Comparison: Best Fish Emulsion For Gardenias
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
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 (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
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 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
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
Safergro Aqua Power Certified Organic Fish Emulsion Concentrate, 1 Quart
- OMRI certified organic liquid product
- Contains 20 amino acids, 13 vitamins and 8 minerals to promote health and growth
- 1 quart concentrate makes 6 to 10 gallons mix depending on application
- Feeds soil, plants and beneficial soil microbes
- To be used at any growth stage
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 gardenias and which fish emulsion products match it?
Gardenias thrive on a balanced fertilizer with a slightly higher nitrogen to support foliage, such as a 5-1-1 ratio. The Alaska Fish Emulsion (5-1-1), Fertilome 5-1-1 (both 16 oz and 32 oz), and Liquinox 5-1-1 all provide this ratio. If you prefer a lower‑nitrogen option, the 2-3-1 liquid from the 1‑gallon organic fish emulsion also works well for promoting blooms without excessive leaf growth.
How does odor affect the quality of fish emulsion, and which products have reduced smell?
A strong fishy odor usually indicates a real, high‑protein emulsion, but some growers prefer a milder scent for indoor use. Alaska Fish Emulsion is deodorized with natural wintergreen, while the Safergro Aqua Power concentrate is OMRI‑certified and has a less pungent profile. The powder‑form 12‑2‑2 fish protein from B0F38LT29B also minimizes odor because it’s dried, not liquid.
Should I choose a liquid or powder fish emulsion for gardenias, and why?
Liquids are easy to mix and apply as a soil drench or foliar spray, which is ideal for the shallow root systems of gardenias. Powders, like the 12‑2‑2 fish protein, offer longer shelf life and lower odor, but require extra steps to dissolve. For most gardeners, a liquid such as the 1‑gallon organic fish emulsion provides the simplest, most consistent feeding schedule.
What dilution rates are recommended for gardenias with each product?
A common guideline is 1‑2 tablespoons of 5‑1‑1 liquid per gallon of water; this works for Alaska Fish Emulsion, Fertilome, and Liquinox. The 1‑gallon 2‑3‑1 emulsion should be mixed at 1 tablespoon per gallon for a milder feed. For the 12‑2‑2 powder, dissolve 1 lb in 100 gallons of water and apply every 1‑2 weeks, adjusting to a weaker solution for young plants.
Are there any organic certifications I should look for when buying fish emulsion for gardenias?
Yes, certifications like OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute) ensure the product meets organic gardening standards. Safergro Aqua Power is OMRI‑certified, and the 1‑gallon organic fish emulsion advertises sustainable sourcing and cold‑pressed processing, which aligns with organic principles. Choosing certified products helps maintain soil health and avoids synthetic additives.
How do price and container size compare across the available fish emulsions?
The Alaska Fish Emulsion and Liquinox 5‑1‑1 are sold in 1‑gallon containers, offering good value for larger gardens. Smaller options like the 8 oz Fish Emulsion (B0DQR1X69R) and 32 oz Fertilome are more affordable for trial use or limited space. The powder 12‑2‑2 (3.3 lb) has a higher upfront cost but stretches to 100 gallons of feed, making it economical for extensive planting.
Which fish emulsions include additional micronutrients that benefit gardenia blooms?
Liquinox 5‑1‑1 lists iron, manganese, and zinc, which support chlorophyll production and flower development. Safergro Aqua Power contains 20 amino acids, 13 vitamins, and 8 minerals, providing a broad nutrient spectrum for robust bloom formation. The 8‑oz complete fish emulsion also mentions natural salmon nutrients that include trace elements beneficial for flowering.
What are the best storage practices to keep fish emulsion effective over time?
Store liquid emulsions in a cool, dark place and keep the lid tightly sealed to prevent oxidation; refrigeration can extend shelf life for up to a year. Powdered fish protein should be kept in an airtight container away from moisture to avoid clumping and spoilage. Always label the container with the opening date so you can track freshness and rotate stock accordingly.