Comparison: Best Fish Emulsion For Pot Plants (Updated | Dec 1st)
Enter fish emulsion—a natural powerhouse packed with nutrients that boost growth and improve soil health. In this article, we’ll compare the best fish emulsions on the market, weighing smell, nutrient content, ease of use, and results, so you can feed your plants with confidence and grow like a pro—naturally.
- Best for vitamin boost: CENTRAL GARDEN BRANDS 100099247 Fish Emul Fertilizer
- Best for usa complete: Fish Emulsion Fertilizer
- Best for cold-pressed power: 1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer for Plants – Ideal Liquid Fish Fertilizer for Plants
- Best for omri certified: Alaska Fish Fertilizer OMRI Listed 5-1-1
- Best for wintergreen fresh: Alaska Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 Concentrate 1 Gallon (Packaging may vary)
- Best for deep green: Fertilome (10612) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (32 oz)
- Best for versatile mix: Fish Emulsion 16OZ CONC
- Best for low-odor powder: Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 12-2-2 Powder (3.3 pounds Powder-Up to 300 Gallons of Water)
- 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 odorless cold: Neptune’s Harvest Fish Fertilizer 2-4-1
Product Comparison: Best Fish Emulsion For Pot Plants
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
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!
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
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
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 16OZ CONC
- Total Nitrogen – 5% Available Phosphate – 1% Soluble Potash – 1%
- For use in Potted and house plants, fruits, vegetables, ornamentals and shade trees: african violets, ferns, tuberous begonias, camellias, azaleas, rhododendrons, acid-tolerant plants, fuchsias, chrysanthemums, orchids, vegetables, shrubs, berries, trees (fruit, shade, deciduous), roses, flowers (annual and perennial), and transplants * See label for complete list
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 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.
Neptune’s Harvest Fish Fertilizer 2-4-1, 18 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
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 picking a fish emulsion fertilizer for pot plants?
Focus on the NPK ratio, organic certification, and dilution instructions. A 5-1-1 ratio works well for container plants because it provides steady nitrogen without overwhelming roots. Also check for added benefits like micronutrients or soil‑microbe stimulants that can improve pot soil health.
How does the NPK ratio influence growth in indoor containers?
Higher nitrogen (the first number) promotes leafy growth, which is ideal for foliage plants in pots. Ratios such as 5-1-1 or 2-3-1 deliver enough nitrogen while keeping phosphorus and potassium low enough to avoid nutrient lock‑out in confined soil volumes. Choose a lower‑phosphorus formula if you’re growing mainly foliage rather than fruiting plants.
Which fish emulsion offers the best value for the price?
The 1‑gallon Organic Fish Emulsion (B09FZTPQJL) provides a large volume at a low per‑ounce cost and includes a 2‑3‑1 NPK ratio plus soil‑microbe benefits, making it economical for frequent applications. For smaller budgets, the 8‑oz Complete Fish Emulsion (B0DQR1X69R) is affordable and still delivers a balanced nutrient profile for occasional use.
Are there fish emulsions that reduce the typical fishy odor?
Yes, Alaska Fish Emulsion (B002RH0B26) is deodorized with natural wintergreen, which masks the strong smell while keeping the nutrient content intact. Neptune’s Harvest (B009L8ZHVY) also uses a cold‑process method that retains nutrients but eliminates the unpleasant odor, making it a good choice for indoor gardening.
Should I choose a liquid or a powder fish emulsion for indoor pots?
Liquid emulsions, like the Central Garden Brands 1‑quart (B000BX4QGK), are easy to mix and apply directly to pot soil, offering quick nutrient uptake. Powder forms, such as the 12‑2‑2 Fish Emulsion Powder (B0F38LT29B), have a milder scent and longer shelf life, but require careful dissolution before use. For most indoor gardeners, a liquid product is more convenient.
Is OMRI listing important for a fish fertilizer if I garden organically?
An OMRI‑listed product, such as Alaska Fish Fertilizer (B0DQ2LNX35), guarantees compliance with organic standards, which is essential for certified organic growers. Even if you’re not certified, OMRI listing signals that the fertilizer is free from prohibited synthetic additives, providing peace of mind for environmentally conscious gardeners.
What dilution rates work best for pot plants versus larger garden beds?
For container plants, a common recommendation is 1–2 tablespoons of 5‑1‑1 liquid emulsion per gallon of water, applied every 2–3 weeks. Larger beds can handle 4 tablespoons per gallon or higher, but always start with the weakest solution and observe plant response before increasing strength.
Do added ingredients like kelp or wintergreen improve the performance of fish emulsions?
Kelp, found in GS Plant Foods Liquid Fish & Kelp Fertilizer, supplies additional trace minerals and hormones that boost root development and stress tolerance. Wintergreen, used in Alaska’s deodorized emulsion, mainly masks odor without affecting nutrient content, but the pleasant scent can make indoor use more enjoyable.