Comparison: Best Fish Fertilizer 5 1 1 (Updated | Nov 11th)

A 5‑1‑1 N‑P‑K ratio provides 5% nitrogen for vigorous leaf growth, 1% phosphorus for root development, and 1% soluble potash for overall plant health. This balanced blend works well for a wide range of vegetables, fruits, flowers, and trees, making it a versatile choice for both indoor and outdoor gardening. Fish emulsion products like Alaska Fish Fertilizer and Fertilome all share this ratio, ensuring consistent nutrient delivery.

Larger containers such as the 1‑gallon Alaska Fish Emulsion or Liquinox provide the lowest cost per ounce and are ideal for gardeners with extensive beds or multiple beds. Smaller sizes like the 1‑quart Central Garden Brands or the 115 oz Alaska Fish Fertilizer are convenient for occasional use or testing the product before committing to a larger volume. Consider how often you fertilize and the total area you need to cover when choosing size.

For indoor plants, look for deodorized or low‑odor formulas such as the Alaska Fish Emulsion that is “deodorized with natural wintergreen,” reducing scent in confined spaces. Outdoor applications can tolerate stronger‑smelling options like Neptune’s Harvest or the original Alaska Fish Fertilizer, which are formulated for larger areas and can be applied directly to soil or as a foliar spray.

An OMRI listing, like that on the Alaska Fish Fertilizer, confirms the product meets organic standards required for certified organic gardening and farming. Products labeled 100 % organic, such as Central Garden Brands Fish Emul Fertilizer, also assure you that no synthetic chemicals are present, which is important for environmentally conscious growers and those with strict organic certifications.

Traditional fish emulsions can have a strong smell, but many manufacturers add deodorizing agents. Alaska Fish Emulsion advertises a natural wintergreen scent to mask odor, while Liquinox includes iron, manganese, and zinc without mentioning odor control, making it a good choice if scent is less of a concern. If you are sensitive to smell, opt for the deodorized Alaska or Fertilome products.

Calculate the cost per ounce by dividing the price by the total ounces in the container. Generally, the 1‑gallon options (approximately 128 oz) like Alaska Fish Emulsion or Liquinox offer the lowest price per ounce, whereas the 1‑quart (32 oz) bottles such as Central Garden Brands are more expensive per ounce but provide flexibility for smaller gardens. Look for bulk packs like the 2‑pack Alaska 5‑1‑1 concentrate for added savings.

Yes, fish emulsions with a 5‑1‑1 ratio are safe for edible plants because they are derived from natural fish nutrients and are non‑burning. Products like Liquinox and Central Garden Brands specifically state they are suitable for vegetables, lawns, shrubs, and trees, and they include application guidelines to avoid over‑fertilizing. Always follow the recommended dilution rates to ensure healthy growth without nutrient excess.

Most 5‑1‑1 fish emulsions suggest mixing 1‑2 tablespoons per gallon of water for general garden plants, while trees may require 4 tablespoons per gallon. For example, Fertilome 5‑1‑1 (both 16 oz and 32 oz) uses this guideline, and Liquinox recommends 1 tablespoon per gallon for vegetables and similar rates for other plant types. Adjust the frequency to once a month during the growing season for optimal results.