Comparison: Best Fish Fertilizer For Fruit Trees (Updated | Nov 30th)
When it comes to growing juicy, flavorful fruit, your trees need more than just sunshine and water—they crave rich, natural nutrition. That’s where fish fertilizer comes in, turning backyard orchards into thriving fruit factories. But with so many options on the shelf, how do you know which one delivers the best results? We’ve dug into the details, tested top contenders, and compared ingredients, effectiveness, and value to help you choose the best fish fertilizer for your fruit trees—because great fruit starts with great soil.
- Best for organic garden boost: Alaska Fish Fertilizer OMRI Listed 5-1-1
- Best for sustainable soil drench: 1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer for Plants – Ideal Liquid Fish Fertilizer for Plants
- Best for vitamin-rich formula: CENTRAL GARDEN BRANDS 100099247 Fish Emul Fertilizer
- Best for fruit tree supercharge: Farmer’s Secret Fruit Tree Booster Fertilizer (32oz) – Super Concentrated and Phosphorus Rich – Formulated for All Fruit Trees Including Peach
- Best for fish‑kelp fusion: Omri Listed Fish & Kelp Fertilizer for Plants by GS Plant Foods (36oz) – Organic Fertilizer for Vegetables
- Best for low-odor powder: Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 12-2-2 Powder (3.3 pounds Powder-Up to 300 Gallons of Water)
- Best for microbial boost: GS Plant Foods Liquid Fish & Kelp Fertilizer (1 Gallon) – Organic Material Review Institute Listed Natural Plant Food for Home Gardens
- Best for convenient spike feed: Miracle-Gro Fruit & Citrus Plant Food Spikes
- Best for calcium‑rich fruit: Down To Earth All Natural Fertilizers Organic Fruit Tree – Plant Food for Apples
- Best for citrus micronutrient mix: Down To Earth All Natural Fertilizers Organic Citrus Mix – Plant Food for Lemons
Product Comparison: Best Fish Fertilizer For Fruit Trees
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!
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
Farmer’s Secret Fruit Tree Booster Fertilizer (32oz) – Super Concentrated and Phosphorus Rich – Formulated for All Fruit Trees Including Peach, Banana, and Apple
- Let our professionally formulated plant food help your fruit tree grow healthy, strong AND abundantly producing
- Specifically formulated for optimal performance during early growth cycle (after dormancy until fruit starts to bud) when proper nutrition is critical on all types of fruit trees
- Super, super concentrated – A little goes a LONG way
- Dilute one teaspoon of product into one gallon of water and apply weekly along the drip line. For trees in their first two seasons, use up to five teaspoons per week. For mature trees, use up to 10 teaspoons per week.
- Farmer’s Secret brings the same scientifically backed formula development process farmers get to YOUR garden… get in on the secret!
- Bottled with pride in Kentucky!
Omri Listed Fish & Kelp Fertilizer for Plants by GS Plant Foods (36oz) – Organic Fertilizer for Vegetables, Trees, Lawns, Shrubs, Flowers, Seeds & Plants – Hydrolyzed Fish and Seaweed Blend
- OMRI ORGANIC LISTED FISH AND SEAWEED BLEND: GS Plant Foods all-natural liquid fish is a high quality organic product that gives excellent plant growth, rebuilds soil, and offers higher production yields. Kelp is often applied to any type of plants, trees, lawns, flowers, vegetables and seeds without concern for harmful runoff.
- OPTIMAL PLANT GROWTH & HEALTH AT HOME OR COMMERCIALLY: Used in low concentrations, liquid seaweed fertilizer acts as an efficacious growth promoter. GS Plant Foods fish seaweed fertilizer is used extensively on a commercial basis, as well as at home for gardeners as an organic soil conditioner. This fish fertilizer for vegetables will lead to healthier crop yields and general plant well being.
- EASY TO APPLY FOR NATURAL GREAT RESULTS: Apply liquid fish & kelp fertilizer to improve specific growth stages. For House Plants; use 1 tablespoon per gallon of water. Feed every two weeks and do not over water. For Outdoor Plants; Use 2 fl. Oz per gallon of water. Feed vegetables, flowers, trees and shrubs every 2-3 weeks. Apply until soil is saturated or as a foliar feed until leaves are wet, top and bottom. For Lawns; use 2 to 4 oz concentrate per gallon of water to cover 1,000 sq. ft.
- TRUSTED & RELIABLE: At GS Plant Foods, we understand that you are placing your trust in us to provide you with the highest quality products available. We have 100% confidence in the quality of our products and continuously strive to deliver the best customer experience. Our products are organic, easy to use, cost efficient, sustainable, and yield consistent & amazing results in your garden, no matter what you’re growing or what medium in which your plants are growing.
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.
Miracle-Gro Fruit & Citrus Plant Food Spikes
- Promotes more fruit and lush foliage (vs unfed)
- Contains natural ingredients
- Feed once per season in Spring and Fall
- Also great for use on palm trees
- Easy-to-use spikes release nutrients directly into the root zone to help promote strong fruit, citrus, and palm trees
Down To Earth All Natural Fertilizers Organic Fruit Tree – Plant Food for Apples, Pears, Plums and Tropical Fruit Trees 6-2-4, 5 lb
- Down to Earth Fruit Tree is a five pound box of all natural fertilizer with 6-2-4 formula and is listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) for use in organic production
- Specially formulated to encourage productive home orchards full of the delicious and nutritious tree fruits now popular in many backyard gardens
- Fruit Tree fertilizer provides primary nutrients for plant growth plus added calcium for proper fruit development, so you can enjoy bountiful crops of home grown fruit
- From apples, pears and plums to mangos, pomegranates and figs, Fruit Tree can be used on all varieties of fruiting canes, shrubs and trees
- Ingredients: Feather Meal, Fish Bone Meal, Calcium Carbonate, Langbeinite, Potassium Sulfate, Alfalfa Meal and Kelp Meal. DOES NOT EXPIRE if stored in a cool, dry place.
Down To Earth All Natural Fertilizers Organic Citrus Mix – Plant Food for Lemons, Limes, Oranges and Avocados 6-3-3, 5 lb
- Down To Earth Citrus Mix is a five pound box of all natural fertilizer with 6-3-3 formula and is listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) for use in organic production
- Formulated with primary and secondary plant nutrients like calcium, sulfur, zinc and iron, plus selected micronutrients
- It supplies the proper ration of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium that helps promote lush new growth, abundant green foliage, fragrant blossoms and bountiful fruit
- An excellent option for citrus trees of all kinds and may also be used to feed other fruit trees, vines and ornamentals for equally enjoyable results
- Ingredients: feather meal, fish bone meal, alfalfa meal, greensand, langbeinite, basalt, sulfate of potash, zinc sulfate and kelp meal. DOES NOT EXPIRE, if kept in a cool, dry place
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 in a fish fertilizer for fruit trees?
Choose a product that is OMRI‑listed for organic use, has a balanced NPK ratio suitable for fruit development (often around 5‑1‑1 to 6‑2‑4), and includes micronutrients like calcium and potassium. Low odor formulations or powder versions can be easier to handle, and a concentrate that dilutes well will give you more applications per container.
How does a liquid fish emulsion compare to a powdered fish fertilizer?
Liquid emulsions, such as the 1‑gallon fish emulsion, are ready to dilute and apply quickly, but they usually have a stronger fishy smell and may require more frequent watering. Powdered options like the 12‑2‑2 fish protein powder produce less odor, are highly concentrated, and can be mixed to cover large garden areas with fewer containers.
Is a higher NPK ratio always better for fruit trees?
Not necessarily; fruit trees benefit from a moderate nitrogen level to encourage foliage, but too much can reduce fruiting. Formulas around 5‑1‑1 or 6‑2‑4 provide a good balance, while higher nitrogen blends like 12‑2‑2 are better for early vegetative growth or heavy feeding regimes.
Which product offers the best value for a small backyard orchard?
The 5‑gallon fish emulsion (1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer) provides a high nutrient density at a low per‑gallon cost and can be diluted for many applications, making it economical for multiple trees. The powder version also stretches far, but you’ll need a scale to measure the correct dosage.
Do fish fertilizers differ in how they affect soil biology?
Yes, many fish fertilizers contain amino acids and organic matter that feed beneficial microbes, improving soil structure and nutrient uptake. Products that highlight “stimulates microorganisms” or “enhances soil microbiology,” such as the Central Garden Brands fish emulsion, tend to boost long‑term soil health.
What are the pros and cons of using a fruit‑tree‑specific booster like Farmer’s Secret?
The booster is super‑concentrated and tailored for the critical growth phase after dormancy, so a little goes a long way and you can fine‑tune feeding rates. However, it’s not a pure fish fertilizer and contains additional proprietary ingredients, which may be less appealing to gardeners seeking a simple, all‑fish formula.
How important is the odor level when choosing a fish fertilizer?
Odor is mostly a matter of convenience; strong fishy smells can be off‑putting in indoor or small‑space gardens. Powdered or low‑odor liquid formulations, like the 12‑2‑2 powder, reduce the scent while still delivering the same nutrients.
Can I use the same fish fertilizer on both fruit trees and vegetables?
Most fish fertilizers are versatile and work well on a range of plants, but check the recommended dilution rates. Products with a lower nitrogen level (e.g., 5‑1‑1) are ideal for fruit trees, while higher nitrogen blends may be better for fast‑growing vegetables.