Comparison: Best Fish Fertilizer For Herbs (Updated | Dec 1st)
If you’re growing herbs, you already know they need more than just sunlight and water to truly thrive. But with so many options out there, how do you know which one’s best for your basil, rosemary, or thyme? We’ve tested top contenders to find the most effective, easy-to-use fish fertilizers that deliver real results—without the stink. Let’s dive into the bottles that make your herbs happier, healthier, and more aromatic than ever.
- Best for vitamin-rich boost: CENTRAL GARDEN BRANDS 100099247 Fish Emul Fertilizer
- Best for omri certified 5-1-1: Alaska Fish Fertilizer OMRI Listed 5-1-1
- Best for cold-pressed yield: 1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer for Plants – Ideal Liquid Fish Fertilizer for Plants
- Best for broad spectrum boost: FOOP Garden – Organic Liquid Plant Food Made from Fish Manure (with Fresh Minty Scent) | Fish Fertilizer Alternative Perfect for Veggies
- Best for wintergreen burn-free: Alaska Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 Concentrate 1 Gallon (Packaging may vary)
- Best for seaweed flower power: Neptune’s Harvest Fish & Seaweed Fertilizer 2-3-1
- Best for odorless protein-rich: Neptune’s Harvest Fish Fertilizer 2-4-1
- Best for microbial soil boost: GS Plant Foods Liquid Fish & Kelp Fertilizer (1 Gallon) – Organic Material Review Institute Listed Natural Plant Food for Home Gardens
- Best for guano-enriched blend: True Organic All Purpose Plant Food – Organic Fertilizer for Fruits
- Best for salmon nutrient pack: Fish Emulsion Fertilizer
Product Comparison: Best Fish Fertilizer For Herbs
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
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!
FOOP Garden – Organic Liquid Plant Food Made from Fish Manure (with Fresh Minty Scent) | Fish Fertilizer Alternative Perfect for Veggies, Herbs, Flowers,Trees,Shrubs | Kid&Pet Friendly (32oz)
- General-purpose organic plant nutrients perfect for veggies, herbs, flowers, succulents, trees, shrubs and houseplants.
- Provides a broad spectrum of essential organic nutrients including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and silica.
- Made from high-quality organic ingredients such as fish emulsion, kelp, mycorrhizae, and fish manure.
- Grows larger, healthier plants that taste and smell better.
- Approved for organic use by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI)
- Made in the USA, ensuring quality and safety standards are met.
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
Neptune’s Harvest Fish & Seaweed Fertilizer 2-3-1, 18 Ounce
- Grow a beautiful vegetable garden
- Flowers and foliage will be stronger and more colorful
- Blooms will be more plentiful, fragrant and longer lasting
- Easy to mix and apply by hand, sprayer, or drip line
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
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.
True Organic All Purpose Plant Food – Organic Fertilizer for Fruits, Vegetables, Flowers, and Herbs – 4lb Bag Covers 87 sq. ft.
- Balanced Nutrition for All Plants: True Organic All Purpose Plant Food promotes abundant organic fruits, vegetables, flowers, herbs, and foliage with a well-rounded formula.
- Prevents Soil Depletion: Contains 5% nitrogen (3.75% slow-release), 4% phosphate, 5% potash, 4% calcium, and 1% sulfur to nourish plants and enrich soil.
- Exclusive Organic Blend: Includes seabird guano, shrimp and crab shell meal, soybean meal, and fish bone meal for a nutrient-packed, eco-friendly fertilizer.
- Versatile and Easy to Apply: Ideal for in-ground and container plants, this fertilizer is simple to apply monthly during the growing season for optimal growth.
- Flexible Sizing for Any Garden: Available in 4lb (covers 87 sq. ft.), 4.5lb shaker jug (97 sq. ft.), 8lb (174 sq. ft.), 12lb (261 sq. ft.), and 25lb (544 sq. ft.) bags to fit gardens of any size.
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
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 key nutrients should I look for in a fish fertilizer for herbs?
Herbs thrive on a balanced supply of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, often expressed as an NPK ratio like 2-3-1 or 5-1-1. Look for products that also list micronutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and trace minerals, which support leaf flavor and aroma. Organic fish emulsions naturally contain these elements along with amino acids and vitamins that boost overall plant health.
How does the NPK ratio affect herb growth?
A higher nitrogen level encourages leafy growth, which is ideal for most culinary herbs. Ratios such as 2-3-1 or 5-1-1 provide enough nitrogen for foliage while still supplying phosphorus and potassium for root development and disease resistance. Choosing a fertilizer with a moderate nitrogen boost helps prevent overly rapid, weak growth.
Which product offers the best value for a small indoor herb garden?
For a compact indoor setup, the 8‑oz Fish Emulsion Fertilizer (B0DQR1X69R) provides a low‑cost, easy‑to‑dose option that delivers complete fish nutrients without excess volume. Its smaller size reduces waste and the price per ounce is comparable to larger gallons. It’s also straightforward to mix with water for regular feedings.
Is there a noticeable odor difference between these fish fertilizers, and does it matter?
All true fish emulsions have a natural fishy scent, but some brands, like Alaska Fish Emulsion (B002RH0B26), add wintergreen to deodorize the mix. The odor does not affect nutrient content, but a milder smell can make indoor application more pleasant. If scent is a concern, choose a deodorized or low‑odor formula.
How do liquid fish fertilizers compare to powdered or granular options for herbs?
Liquid fish fertilizers, such as the 1‑gallon Organic Fish Emulsion (B09FZTPQJL), are quickly absorbed by roots and can be used as a foliar spray, delivering fast results. Powdered or granular forms release nutrients more slowly, which can be beneficial for long‑term feeding but may require more careful watering. For herbs that need frequent, light feeding, liquids generally provide more consistent growth.
Are OMRI‑listed fish fertilizers necessary for organic gardening?
OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute) certification confirms that a product meets organic standards, which is important if you sell your herbs as organic or want to maintain an organic garden certification. Several options, like Alaska Fish Fertilizer OMRI Listed (B0DQ2LNX35) and FOOP Garden (B0BBTFMMHV), carry this label. While non‑OMRI products still work, the certification adds peace of mind for strict organic growers.
Which fish fertilizer provides the most comprehensive micronutrient profile?
FOOP Garden’s Organic Liquid Plant Food combines fish emulsion with kelp, mycorrhizae, and fish manure, delivering a broad spectrum of micronutrients including silica and magnesium. GS Plant Foods Liquid Fish & Kelp Fertilizer (B00BBLMXVQ) also blends seaweed and fish hydrolysate for similar benefits. These blends support soil microbiology, improving nutrient uptake for herbs.
How often should I apply fish fertilizer to my herb garden?
Most liquid fish emulsions are applied every 2–4 weeks, either as a soil drench or a foliar spray, depending on the product’s concentration. For concentrated formulas like the 5‑1‑1 concentrate (B0DQ2LNX35), dilute according to label instructions and feed every 3 weeks to avoid nitrogen burn. Consistent, light feeding encourages steady growth without overwhelming the plants.