Comparison: Best Fish Fertilizer For Pumpkins (Updated | Dec 1st)
But here’s a secret: not all fertilizers are created equal. Enter fish fertilizer—a natural powerhouse packed with nutrients that pumpkins absolutely love. In this article, we’ll compare the top fish fertilizers on the market, weighing smell, nutrient content, ease of use, and real results in the field. No fluff, just honest insights to help you grow bigger, healthier pumpkins—naturally.
1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer for Plants – Ideal Liquid Fish Fertilizer for Plants
Yield-Boosting Emulsion
- Best for organic 5-1-1: Alaska Fish Fertilizer OMRI Listed 5-1-1
- Best for vitamin-rich boost: CENTRAL GARDEN BRANDS 100099247 Fish Emul Fertilizer
- Best for odorless protein: Neptune’s Harvest Fish Fertilizer 2-4-1
- Best for deep green foliage: Fertilome (10612) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (32 oz)
- Best for wintergreen deodorized: Alaska Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 Concentrate 1 Gallon (Packaging may vary)
- Best for yield-boosting emulsion: 1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer for Plants – Ideal Liquid Fish Fertilizer for Plants
- Best for seaweed blend: Neptune’s Harvest Fish & Seaweed Fertilizer 2-3-1
- Best for cold-processed power: Neptune’s Harvest Fish Fertilizer 2-4-1
- Best for root-boost bone: Down To Earth All Natural Fertilizers Organic Fish Bone Meal – High Phosphorus Plant Food for Buds
- Best for early season nitrogen: Fish Meal – Organic Fish Fertilizer 8-6-0 (5 lbs)
Product Comparison: Best Fish Fertilizer For Pumpkins
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
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
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
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.
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
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!
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, 36 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
Down To Earth All Natural Fertilizers Organic Fish Bone Meal – High Phosphorus Plant Food for Buds, Bulbs, Blooms, Flower Beds 4-12-0, 5 lb
- Water-Soluble Formula – Easily dissolves in water for quick absorption and efficient nutrient delivery directly to the root zone
- Targets Root Development – Formulated to enhance root growth, improving plant stability, nutrient uptake, and drought resistance
- Fast-Acting Nutrients – Provides immediate access to essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium where roots need them most.
- Ideal for Transplants & Seedlings – Great for jumpstarting young plants or helping transplants establish quickly in new soil.
- Improves Soil-Root Interaction – Encourages a healthy rhizosphere, boosting microbial activity and root-zone nutrient cycling.
Fish Meal – Organic Fish Fertilizer 8-6-0 (5 lbs)
- Organic Fish Meal – All Natural Fertilizer!
- Excellent Source of Nitrogen and Phosphorus!
- Stimulates beneficial microbes
- 5 pound bulk bag of Organic Fish Meal Fertilizer
- Fish Meal is a perfect early season Organic Fertilizer!
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 N‑PK ratio should I look for in a fish fertilizer for pumpkins?
Pumpkins benefit from a higher nitrogen content early in the season to promote vigorous leaf growth, followed by more phosphorus for fruit development. Look for formulas around 5‑1‑1 or 2‑4‑1, which provide a balanced blend of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The 5‑1‑1 products give a stronger leaf boost, while 2‑4‑1 emphasizes fruit set and overall vigor.
Which fish fertilizer has the least odor for indoor or greenhouse use?
Alaska Fish Emulsion (1‑gallon) is deodorized with natural wintergreen, making it the most pleasant‑smelling option. Neptune’s Harvest claims no unpleasant odor due to its cold‑process retention of proteins, but many users still notice a faint fish scent. If odor is a top concern, the Alaska wintergreen formula is the safest choice.
How do the concentrations affect how much I need to apply to a pumpkin patch?
Concentrated formulas like Alaska Fish Emulsion (5‑1‑1) require less product per gallon of water, typically 1‑2 Tbsp per gallon for vegetables, which can reduce overall usage. Diluted products such as the 18‑ounce Neptune’s Harvest need a higher volume of water to achieve the same nutrient level. Choosing a higher‑concentration product can lower labor and storage space for large pumpkin gardens.
Is an OMRI listing important for organic pumpkin growers?
Yes, an OMRI listing confirms the product meets organic certification standards, which is essential for growers selling certified organic pumpkins. Alaska Fish Fertilizer (5‑1‑1) is OMRI listed, while many other brands are labeled 100 % organic but lack official certification. Selecting an OMRI‑listed fertilizer helps avoid compliance issues during organic audits.
Which product offers the best value per ounce for a large pumpkin farm?
Alaska Fish Emulsion (1 gallon) provides a high nutrient concentration at a lower cost per ounce compared to smaller 18‑ounce bottles. The bulk 5‑lb Fish Meal (8‑6‑0) is inexpensive per pound but has a higher phosphorus ratio, which may not be ideal for early‑season leaf growth. For overall value and balanced nutrition, the 1‑gallon Alaska concentrate typically offers the best cost‑to‑nutrient ratio.
Do any of these fertilizers include additional micronutrients or microbes?
Central Garden Brands Fish Emulsion highlights 11 vitamins and microbial stimulation, which can improve soil health and nutrient uptake. Neptune’s Harvest also retains natural enzymes and hormones that support microbial activity. If you want extra soil biology benefits, these two options provide more than just the basic N‑P‑K nutrients.
Can I use the same fish fertilizer for both pumpkins and other garden vegetables?
Most of the listed fish fertilizers are versatile and safe for a wide range of vegetables, fruits, and flowers. Products with a 5‑1‑1 ratio, like Alaska Fish Emulsion, are especially adaptable for leafy crops and fruiting plants alike. Just adjust the application rates according to each plant’s growth stage to avoid over‑fertilizing.
What should I consider when choosing between liquid and powdered fish fertilizers?
Liquid fertilizers, such as the Alaska and Neptune’s Harvest formulas, dissolve instantly and are easy to apply via watering cans or sprayers, which is convenient for large pumpkin rows. Powdered options like Fish Meal require mixing into the soil or compost and may release nutrients more slowly, offering a longer‑term feeding schedule. Your choice should depend on how quickly you need nutrients and the equipment you have available.