Comparison: Best Homemade Fish Emulsion For Plants (Updated | Dec 1st)
We’ve tested the most popular versions, from fermented blends to quick-mix solutions, to find out which delivers lush growth without the stink test. Whether you’re growing tomatoes or tulips, stick around—we’re spilling the fishy details on the best homemade fish emulsion that’ll have your plants thriving and your neighbors wondering what your secret is.
- Best for vitamin-rich blend: CENTRAL GARDEN BRANDS 100099247 Fish Emul Fertilizer
- Best for deep green boost: 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 salmon nutrient formula: Fish Emulsion Fertilizer
- Best for omri certified: Alaska Fish Fertilizer OMRI Listed 5-1-1
- Best for high yield emulsion: 1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer for Plants – Ideal Liquid Fish Fertilizer for Plants
- Best for broad plant spectrum: 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 odorless cold-process: Neptune’s Harvest Fish Fertilizer 2-4-1
- 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
Product Comparison: Best Homemade Fish Emulsion For 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
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
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
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!
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
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.
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 emulsion fertilizer?
Most fish emulsions provide a balanced N-P-K ratio, commonly 5-1-1, which supplies nitrogen for foliage, phosphorus for root development, and potassium for overall health. Look for additional vitamins, amino acids, and micronutrients that support soil microbes. Products that list 11 vitamins or include kelp often give extra growth benefits.
How does the concentration affect how I use the product?
Higher‑concentration formulas, like the 1‑gallon concentrates, require dilution (usually 1‑2 tbsp per gallon of water) and are more cost‑effective for large gardens. Lower‑volume bottles (8 oz or 16 oz) are pre‑diluted or easier to measure for indoor pots. Always follow the label to avoid over‑feeding, which can cause leaf burn even with “no‑burn” claims.
Is odor a concern when choosing a fish emulsion?
Traditional liquid emulsions have a strong fishy smell, which some gardeners find unpleasant. Products that are deodorized, use wintergreen scent, or come in powder form (e.g., the 12‑2‑2 powder) reduce odor while retaining nutrients. If you plan to use the fertilizer indoors, a low‑odor option may be preferable.
What does OMRI‑listing mean for a fish fertilizer?
OMRI‑listed fertilizers meet strict standards for organic production, ensuring they’re acceptable for certified organic gardens. This certification also signals that the product is free from synthetic chemicals and harmful additives. Choose an OMRI‑listed option if you’re maintaining organic certification or want a cleaner soil ecosystem.
How do liquid fish emulsions compare to powder formulations?
Liquid emulsions are ready to mix and work quickly, making them ideal for foliar sprays and fast‑acting soil drenches. Powder forms, like the 12‑2‑2 fish protein powder, have a longer shelf life, lower odor, and can be mixed in bulk for large plots. The trade‑off is that powders require an extra step of dissolving in water before application.
Which product offers the best value for a medium‑size garden?
For a garden of 200‑300 gallons, the 1‑gallon 2‑3‑1 NPK liquid (the organic fish emulsion with sustainable sourcing) provides a good balance of nutrient density and price per use. The 5‑1‑1 concentrate from Alaska also offers a large volume at a comparable cost, though it may need more frequent applications. Compare the price per ounce and recommended dilution rates to calculate total cost per season.
Can I use fish emulsion on both indoor and outdoor plants?
Yes, most fish emulsions are safe for indoor houseplants, outdoor vegetable beds, and ornamental trees, as long as you follow the proper dilution guidelines. Some products specifically highlight indoor‑safe formulations, while others recommend a stronger mix for trees and shrubs. Always test a small area first to ensure the plant responds well.
What extra benefits do fish emulsions provide beyond basic fertilization?
Fish emulsions contain natural amino acids, enzymes, and hormones that stimulate beneficial soil microorganisms, improving nutrient uptake and disease resistance. Many formulas also include trace minerals and vitamins that boost overall plant vigor and stress tolerance. Selecting a product that emphasizes microbial stimulation can lead to healthier, more productive gardens over time.