Guaranteed Analysis
Nutrient Breakdown
N · Nitrogen12%
Delivers 12% nitrogen — one of the highest concentrations among organic fertilizers — for rapid green-up and vigorous vegetative growth.
P · Phosphorus0%
N/A — Blood meal contains no phosphorus. Pair with bone meal (3-15-0) for a complete organic N-P program.
K · Potassium0%
N/A — Blood meal contains no potassium. Combine with Greensand or Sul-Po-Mag for potassium needs.
Derived from: Kiln-dried bovine blood, a byproduct of the meat processing industry
Overview
What It Is
Blood meal is made from dried animal blood — typically collected from cattle during meat processing — that has been kiln-dried to concentrate its nitrogen content. The resulting dark red-brown powder contains approximately 12-13% nitrogen, primarily in water-insoluble form that requires microbial breakdown for plant uptake.
While most of the nitrogen is slow-release, a small fraction (about 1%) is immediately water-soluble, giving plants a quick initial boost. The remainder releases over 1-4 months depending on soil temperature and microbial activity.
Blood meal is considered a quick-acting organic nitrogen source compared to other meals. It can burn plants if over-applied, so careful measurement is important — this is one of the few organic fertilizers where over-application can cause damage similar to synthetic nitrogen burn.
Crop Fit
Best For
CornTomatoesSquashPeppersLeafy GreensBrassicasPumpkinsHeavy Feeders
Blood meal is ideal for heavy nitrogen feeders. Corn is the classic use case — it requires large amounts of nitrogen throughout the growing season. Tomatoes, squash, and peppers benefit from blood meal applied at planting and as a mid-season side-dress. Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and kale produce larger, darker leaves with adequate nitrogen. Brassicas including broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower are heavy feeders that respond well to blood meal.
Application Rates
How Much to Use
| Garden & beds | 2-3 lbs per 100 sq ft |
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| Lawn | 7-8 lbs per 1,000 sq ft |
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| Trees & shrubs | 1 lb per inch of trunk diameter |
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| Containers | 1-2 tsp per gallon of soil |
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| Frequency | Monthly during the growing season |
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Step by Step
How to Apply
1Soil Test
Test soil to confirm nitrogen deficiency before applying this high-nitrogen organic amendment.
2Application Rate
Calculate application rate — 2–3 lbs per 100 sq ft for gardens. Blood meal is potent; do not over-apply.
3Broadcast / Incorporate
Broadcast evenly and mix into the top 3 inches of soil for faster breakdown and availability.
4Transplant Rate
For transplants, add 1 teaspoon per planting hole mixed into backfill soil.
5Water In
Water thoroughly after application to begin microbial decomposition and nitrogen release.
6Side-Dress Monthly
Side-dress monthly during the growing season for nitrogen-hungry crops like corn, leafy greens, and brassicas.
For new garden beds, broadcast 2-3 lbs per 100 sq ft and work into the top 3 inches of soil. For transplants, add 1 teaspoon per hole — mix into soil to avoid root contact. For established plants, side-dress 1-2 teaspoons around the base monthly during the growing season. For containers, mix 1-2 teaspoons per gallon of soil. Always water immediately after application. Do not exceed recommended rates — blood meal can burn plants if over-applied.
Handling & Timing
Safety & Season
Safety & Storage
Wear a dust mask and gloves when handling blood meal. The strong odor may attract dogs and wildlife — always incorporate into soil and water in well. Store in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry location away from pets. Not suitable for vegetarian/vegan gardeners.
Seasonal Notes
Apply blood meal in early spring to fuel initial vegetative growth. Side-dress monthly through the growing season for heavy feeders. Avoid applying excess nitrogen near flowering or fruiting stages — too much nitrogen can push foliage at the expense of fruit. Do not apply in late fall as it encourages soft growth vulnerable to frost.
In Context
How It Compares
Blood meal vs. Feather Meal: Both are high-nitrogen organic sources. Blood meal (12-0-0) releases nitrogen faster (1-4 months). Feather meal (12-0-0) is slower-release (3-4 months) and less likely to burn. Blood meal vs. Soybean Meal: Soybean meal (7-2-1) provides moderate nitrogen with some P and K, while blood meal delivers nearly double the nitrogen with no P or K.
Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is blood meal fertilizer?
Blood meal is a natural, organic fertilizer made from dried animal blood, typically a byproduct of the meat processing industry. It is one of the highest-nitrogen organic fertilizers available, with an NPK ratio of approximately 12-0-0. Blood meal provides fast-acting nitrogen that promotes rapid, vigorous vegetative growth including lush foliage, strong stems, and deep green color. It is OMRI-Listed for certified organic production and is a staple amendment in organic gardening. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Blood Meal delivers powerful, natural nitrogen for organic gardens, flower beds, and container plantings.
What is blood meal used for in the garden?
Blood meal is used primarily as a high-nitrogen organic amendment to fuel rapid green growth. It is especially effective for nitrogen-hungry crops like corn, leafy greens, brassicas, and heavy-feeding flowers. Blood meal also helps correct nitrogen deficiency symptoms like yellowing leaves and stunted growth. Some gardeners use it as a deer and rabbit repellent, as the scent can deter browsing animals. Because it contains only nitrogen, pair blood meal with phosphorus and potassium sources for complete nutrition. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Blood Meal is a versatile, high-impact organic nitrogen source.
How do I apply blood meal to my garden?
Apply blood meal by broadcasting 2–5 pounds per 100 square feet and working into the top few inches of soil before planting. For side-dressing established plants, sprinkle 1–2 tablespoons around the base of each plant, keeping it a few inches from stems. For container plants, add ½–1 tablespoon per gallon of soil. Water thoroughly after application to begin the breakdown process. Blood meal releases nitrogen relatively quickly for an organic amendment, typically within 1–4 weeks. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Blood Meal is easy to apply and activates rapidly once incorporated into moist soil.
Is blood meal good for tomatoes?
Blood meal can benefit tomatoes during the early vegetative growth stage when plants need nitrogen to build strong stems and foliage. However, use it sparingly — too much nitrogen on tomatoes promotes excessive vine growth at the expense of fruit production. Apply blood meal before planting or as a light side-dress early in the season, then switch to a balanced or high-potassium fertilizer once plants begin flowering. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Blood Meal provides a quick nitrogen boost for young tomato plants, while the Wicked Organics line offers balanced formulas for the fruiting stage.
What is the NPK of blood meal?
Blood meal has an approximate NPK ratio of 12-0-0, meaning it contains about 12% nitrogen with no phosphorus or potassium. This makes it one of the most concentrated organic nitrogen sources available. The nitrogen in blood meal becomes available relatively quickly as soil microbes break it down, typically within 1–4 weeks depending on soil temperature and moisture. Because blood meal provides only nitrogen, combine it with bone meal (phosphorus) and sulfate of potash (potassium) for complete organic nutrition. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Blood Meal delivers premium-grade 12-0-0 organic nitrogen.
Can blood meal burn plants?
Blood meal is less likely to burn plants than synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, but over-application can still cause nitrogen toxicity — symptoms include dark green, excessively lush foliage, burned leaf tips, and reduced flowering or fruiting. Always follow recommended application rates and water thoroughly after applying. Start with lower rates and increase if needed based on plant response. The organic nature of blood meal means nitrogen releases gradually rather than all at once, which provides a natural buffer against burning. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Blood Meal is safe and effective when used at recommended rates.
Does blood meal repel deer and rabbits?
Blood meal has a reputation as a natural animal deterrent because the scent of dried blood can discourage deer, rabbits, and other browsing animals from feeding in the garden. The effectiveness varies — it works best when applied around the garden perimeter or directly around vulnerable plants, and it needs to be reapplied after rain. However, some animals become accustomed to the scent over time. For more reliable pest deterrence, consider dedicated repellent products. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Blood Meal provides excellent nitrogen nutrition with the added potential benefit of mild animal deterrence.
