Comparison: Best Liquid Fish Emulsion Plant Food (Updated | Dec 1st)
If your garden’s looking a little under the weather, it might just be craving some good old-fashioned nourishment—and that’s where liquid fish emulsion shines. But with so many brands claiming to be the best, how do you know which one delivers real results? We’ve tested top contenders to help you find the most effective, easy-to-use liquid fish emulsion that’ll have your garden blooming like never before.
- Best for vitamin rich: CENTRAL GARDEN BRANDS 100099247 Fish Emul Fertilizer
- Best for yield boost: 1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer for Plants – Ideal Liquid Fish Fertilizer for Plants
- Best for omri certified garden: Alaska Fish Fertilizer OMRI Listed 5-1-1
- Best for wintergreen deodorized: Alaska Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 Concentrate 1 Gallon (Packaging may vary)
- Best for salmon nutrient power: Fish Emulsion Fertilizer
- Best for deep green growth: Fertilome (10612) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (32 oz)
- 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
- Best for balanced 2-3-1: GS Plant Foods Liquid Fish Fertilizer – Organic Material Review Institute Listed (1 Gallon) – Natural Hydrolyzed Fish Fertilizer for Gardens
- Best for growth boost formula: GS Plant Foods Organic Liquid Fish Fertilizer – Natures Growth Boost
- Best for fast-acting kelp: Down To Earth All Natural Fertilizers Organic Liquid Fish & Kelp Concentrate – Plant Food for Vegetable Gardens and Flower Beds – Makes up to 32 Gallons 2-4-1
Product Comparison: Best Liquid Fish Emulsion Plant Food
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
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!
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
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
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.
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.
GS Plant Foods Liquid Fish Fertilizer – Organic Material Review Institute Listed (1 Gallon) – Natural Hydrolyzed Fish Fertilizer for Gardens, Lawns & Container Growing
- Organic Materials Review Institute Listed for Organic Production Approved as GS Plant Foods Organic Liquid Fish Concentrate 2-3-1. Suitable for organic growing under OMRI and NOP standards.
- Balanced Nutrient Formula (2-3-1) Provides primary nutrients from hydrolyzed fish for sustained plant nutrition and soil health.
- Versatile Garden Use: Ideal for vegetables, lawns, flowers, shrubs, trees, fruit, and container plants when used as directed.
- Simple Application: Mix 4 oz per gallon of water for most uses. Apply generously to soil or as a foliar feed until leaves are wet.
- Florida Licensed Manufacturer: Produced by GS Plant Foods, LLC (License F003717). 1 Gallon liquid fertilizer (8.9 lb).
GS Plant Foods Organic Liquid Fish Fertilizer – Natures Growth Boost, OMRI-Certified, Hydrolyzed, Fish-Based, Organic Gardening Solution, 1 Quart
- OMRI ORGANIC LISTED HYDROLYZED FISH FERTILIZER: GS Plant Foods Organic Liquid Fish is an all-natural high quality fresh fish liquid fertilizer that gives excellent plant growth, rebuilds soil, and offers higher production yields. Our fish fertilizer will help stimulate growth and improve plant health and color. Tremendously beneficial for soil quality and improved rooting, this organic fish fertilizer can be applied to any type of soil or plant without concern for waste or harmful chemicals.
- PACKED WITH MACRO & MICRO NUTRIENTS: Our proprietary and all-natural fish fertilizer provides much more than N-P-K (Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium) found in synthetic fertilizers. This fish plant fertilizer provides a comprehensive mix of macro & micro nutrients, minerals, peptides, proteins, and calcium, all in a usable form perfectly suited for maximum efficiency of uptake for your plants. The fish plant food fertilizer stimulates water penetration and increases nutrient assimilation.
- OPTIMAL PLANT GROWTH & HEALTH AT HOME OR COMMERCIALLY: Used in low concentrations, liquid fish fertilizer organic acts as an efficacious growth promoter. GS Plant Foods organic hydrolyzed fertilizer promotes growth of healthy bacteria. It is used extensively on a commercial basis, as well as at home as an organic soil conditioner. The end result is a powerfully effective, organic fertilizer and soil supplement that contains no chlorine or heavy metals. It is great for everything that grows!
- WORKS SYNERGISTICALLY WITH ALL FERTILIZERS:This liquid fish fertilizer is among the highest quality plant food products that you can get. It works synergistically with all fertilizers especially with a high quality liquid kelp fertilizer such as GS Plant Foods Organic Liquid Kelp. Use fish fertilizer on lawns, vegetables, fruits, trees & shrubs, seedlings and transplants as a regular healthful maintenance program to experience healthier plants with stronger, and more developed root systems.
- EASY TO APPLY FOR NATURAL GREAT RESULTS: Apply hydrolyzed fish fertilizer to improve specific growth stages. Apply generously to soil or as a foliar feed until leaves are wet, top and bottom. For lawns, one gallon of fertilizer mixed with 30-40 gallons of water will cover ¼ acre. Feed lawn every 4 weeks. Trees and shrubs use 4 oz per gallon of water. Feed by boring small holes 1 to 2 feet away from the root ball. Fill holes with solution. For best results, foliar feed early or late in the day.
Down To Earth All Natural Fertilizers Organic Liquid Fish & Kelp Concentrate – Plant Food for Vegetable Gardens and Flower Beds – Makes up to 32 Gallons 2-4-1, 32 oz
- Fast‑acting liquid formula: Perfect for foliar feed or soil drench applications, supporting quick absorption and growth stimulation.
- Stimulates overall plant vigor: High phosphorus aids flowering and fruiting, while nitrogen supports lush foliage and root development.
- Organic & soil‑friendly: Helps promote beneficial microbial activity and sustainable soil health due to its fish and kelp base
- Versatile application rates: For general garden use: ¼–½ cup per gallon of water; for containers: 2–4 Tbsp per gallon; for houseplants: 2 Tbsp per gallon, repeated every 2–4 weeks depending on growth stage
- Watch out for odor: While extremely effective, many users report a strong fish-like odor characteristic of fish emulsions—though it typically subsides quickly and doesn’t linger long indoors
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 factors should I consider when choosing a liquid fish emulsion fertilizer?
Look for the N‑P‑K ratio, organic certifications like OMRI, and any added ingredients such as kelp or micronutrients. Check the concentration (e.g., 5‑1‑1 vs 2‑3‑1) to match your watering habits and plant type. Also consider odor level and whether the product is deodorized if you plan to use it indoors.
How does the N‑P‑K ratio affect plant growth, and which ratio is best for general use?
A higher nitrogen (N) promotes leafy growth, while phosphorus (P) supports root and flower development, and potassium (K) aids overall vigor. For most garden plants, a balanced 2‑3‑1 or 5‑1‑1 ratio works well, providing steady nutrition without over‑fertilizing. Choose a lower‑N formula if you grow fruiting or flowering plants that need more phosphorus.
Is there a noticeable difference in value between a 1‑gallon and a 1‑quart bottle?
The larger gallon containers, such as the Central Garden Brands 1‑quart and the 1‑gallon options from Alaska and GS Plant Foods, generally offer a lower cost per ounce and are better for frequent applications. Smaller quart sizes are convenient for indoor gardeners or those testing a brand before committing. Compare the price per fluid ounce and factor in the recommended dilution rates to estimate total coverage.
Do fish emulsion fertilizers really burn plants, and which products are safest for sensitive seedlings?
Most high‑quality fish emulsions are formulated to be gentle and will not burn when diluted according to the label. Products that specifically mention “Will Not Burn” or are deodorized, like Alaska Fish Emulsion 5‑1‑1, are especially safe for seedlings and indoor plants. Always start with the weakest recommended dilution and observe plant response.
How important is the odor of fish emulsion, and are there deodorized options?
The characteristic fishy smell indicates a genuine fish-based product, but strong odor can be off‑putting for indoor use. Some brands, such as Alaska Fish Emulsion, add natural wintergreen to mask the scent, while others like the Down To Earth concentrate are noted for a strong odor that dissipates quickly. Choose a deodorized formula if you plan to apply the fertilizer near living spaces.
What are the benefits of adding kelp to a fish emulsion fertilizer?
Kelp provides additional micronutrients, hormones, and sea‑derived trace minerals that enhance nutrient uptake and stress tolerance. Products that combine fish and kelp, like GS Plant Foods Liquid Fish & Kelp, can improve soil microbiology and promote stronger root systems. This blend is especially useful for high‑yield vegetable gardens and ornamental flowering plants.
How do I determine the best application method for these liquid fertilizers?
Most fish emulsions can be used as a soil drench, foliar spray, or seed‑ling soak; the choice depends on plant type and growth stage. For quick foliage boost, a foliar spray at the recommended dilution (often 2‑4 oz per gallon) works well, while a soil drench provides longer‑term nutrient release. Follow each product’s label for specific rates to avoid over‑application.
Are OMRI‑listed fish emulsions necessary for organic gardening, and which products have this certification?
OMRI listing confirms that a fertilizer complies with organic standards, making it essential for certified organic gardens. Alaska Fish Fertilizer, GS Plant Foods Liquid Fish, and the GS Plant Foods Fish & Kelp concentrate all carry OMRI certification. Selecting an OMRI‑listed product ensures you stay within organic regulations while still receiving high‑quality nutrition.