Comparison: Best Making Fish Emulsion Fertilizer (Updated | Dec 1st)
If you’re looking to give your garden a natural boost, fish emulsion fertilizer is a powerhouse choice—but not all formulas are created equal. From homemade brews to store-bought concentrates, the options can be overwhelming. We’ve dug into the smelly (but effective!) world of fish emulsions to find the best ones that deliver real results without breaking the bank.
1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer for Plants – Ideal Liquid Fish Fertilizer for Plants
Sustainable Yield Booster
- Best for vitamin-rich boost: CENTRAL GARDEN BRANDS 100099247 Fish Emul Fertilizer
- Best for omri certified blend: 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 deep green growth: Fertilome (10612) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (32 oz)
- Best for sustainable yield booster: 1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer for Plants – Ideal Liquid Fish Fertilizer for Plants
- Best for salmon nutrient power: Fish Emulsion Fertilizer
- 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-processed: Neptune’s Harvest Fish Fertilizer 2-4-1
- Best for versatile plant feed: Fish Emulsion 16OZ CONC
- Best for fish-kelp soil boost: GS Plant Foods Liquid Fish & Kelp Fertilizer (1 Gallon) – Organic Material Review Institute Listed Natural Plant Food for Home Gardens
Product Comparison: Best Making Fish Emulsion Fertilizer
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
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
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.
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 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
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, 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
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
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 an N-P-K ratio around 5-1-1, which supplies nitrogen for foliage, phosphorus for root development, and potassium for overall plant health. Some products, like the 2-3-1 or 12-2-2 formulas, adjust these ratios for lighter feeding or specific crop needs. Check the label for additional micronutrients and amino acids that support soil biology.
How does the concentration affect how I use the product?
Concentrated liquids (e.g., 1‑gallon or 5‑gallon containers) require dilution, typically 1‑2 Tbsp per gallon of water for foliage and up to 4 Tbsp for trees. Powdered forms, such as the 12‑2‑2 powder, are mixed with water to create a liquid feed and can cover large areas with less volume. Always follow the manufacturer’s mixing instructions to avoid over‑fertilizing.
Is odor a concern when choosing a fish emulsion?
Traditional liquid emulsions can have a strong fishy smell, which some gardeners find off‑putting. Products that are deodorized (e.g., with natural wintergreen) or formulated as powders reduce the odor significantly. If scent is important to you, consider a deodorized liquid or a dry powder option.
What certifications should I check for organic gardening?
Look for OMRI‑listed or USDA‑organic certifications, which confirm the product meets organic standards and can be used in certified organic gardens. Several items in the lineup, such as the Alaska Fish Fertilizer and GS Plant Foods Liquid Fish & Kelp, carry OMRI listing. Certified products also tend to have stricter quality controls.
How do liquid fish emulsions compare to fish fertilizer powders?
Liquids are convenient for quick foliar sprays and soil drenches, while powders offer longer shelf life and lower odor. Powders like the 12‑2‑2 blend are highly water‑soluble and can be mixed in bulk, making them cost‑effective for large plots. Choose liquids for small indoor gardens and powders for larger outdoor or hydroponic systems.
Which product provides the best value for large garden areas?
High‑volume concentrates, such as the 1‑gallon organic fish emulsion with a 2‑3‑1 NPK ratio, deliver many applications per container and often have lower cost per ounce. Powdered options like the 3.3‑pound 12‑2‑2 also stretch far, especially when mixed to cover up to 300 gallons of water. Compare the price per usable gallon of diluted feed to determine true value.
Can I use fish emulsion on both indoor and outdoor plants?
Yes, most fish emulsions are safe for indoor houseplants, outdoor vegetables, fruit trees, and ornamental shrubs. Products that specify “all plants” or list a wide range of compatible species, such as the Central Garden Brands and Alaska Fish Emulsion, are formulated to be gentle and non‑burning. Always dilute according to the label to protect delicate foliage.
What additional benefits do fish emulsions offer beyond basic nutrition?
Fish emulsions contain amino acids, hormones, and beneficial microorganisms that improve soil biology and promote healthier root systems. Some formulations also include kelp or seaweed extracts, which add trace minerals and boost plant stress resistance. These organic components can enhance overall plant vigor and increase yields compared to synthetic fertilizers.