Organic Blood Meal Fertilizer 13-0-0
Organic Blood Meal Fertilizer 13-0-0
Organic Blood Meal 13-0-0 Fertilizer
Premium organic blood meal fertilizer derived from bovine blood, independently lab tested and made in the USA. With 13% organic nitrogen, it helps support vigorous vegetative growth, greener leaves, and lush foliage — one of the most concentrated organic nitrogen sources commonly used in gardening. The 40 lb bag is repackaged from OMRI Listed® material.
Ideal Applications
FEATURES
💪 13% Organic Nitrogen
One of the more concentrated organic nitrogen sources commonly used in gardening. Drives rapid chlorophyll production and vigorous vegetative growth without synthetic inputs.
⏱️ Fast-Acting for an Organic Fertilizer
Blood meal begins feeding as soil microbes break down its protein-bound nitrogen. In warm, moist, biologically active soil, plants may begin responding within 1–3 weeks, with benefits often continuing for several weeks after that.
🌱 Repackaged from OMRI Listed® Material (40 lb)
The 40 lb bag is repackaged from OMRI Listed® material, making it suitable for use in certified organic production systems. Suitable for vegetables, fruits, herbs, and ornamentals when applied according to label directions.
🐄 Bovine Source — Sustainable Byproduct
Derived from dried bovine blood, an existing byproduct of USDA-inspected meat processing facilities. Choosing blood meal puts that byproduct to productive agricultural use.
🦠 Feeds Soil Biology
Proteins in blood meal contribute organic nitrogen that soil microbes mineralize, supporting microbial activity and the broader soil food web over the feeding period.
🔬 Independently Lab Tested
Independently lab tested for heavy metal content to support regulatory and quality requirements for food crop and home garden use.
🥦 Best for High-Nitrogen Crops
Leafy greens, corn, brassicas, and lawns all have elevated nitrogen demands — blood meal delivers exactly the nutrient profile these plants need most during vegetative growth.
🌡️ Temperature-Activated Release
Microbial breakdown that drives nitrogen release is strongly influenced by soil temperature. Performance is usually best once soils are consistently above about 50°F, and strongest in warm, evenly moist soil.
🏡 Versatile Application Methods
Use as a soil amendment worked into beds, side-dress around established plants, or mix into warm water for a nitrogen-rich soil drench for containers.
📦 Available in Multiple Sizes
Choose from 2 lb, 5 lb, 10 lb, 25 lb, and 40 lb bags to match the scale of your garden — from a single raised bed to a full-acre production plot.
DERIVED FROM
Blood meal is a single-ingredient organic fertilizer — no fillers, binders, or synthetic additives. It is made from dried bovine blood collected at USDA-inspected processing facilities, then milled into a fine powder that mixes readily into soil. Because its nitrogen is primarily protein-bound, most of its feeding effect depends on microbial breakdown in the soil.
Nitrogen Source
Dried Bovine Blood Meal
Naturally contains approximately 13% nitrogen in peptide and amino acid form. Soil bacteria hydrolyze these proteins into plant-available ammonium and nitrate over several weeks in warm, active soil.
Complementary Organic Sources
Blood meal supplies nitrogen only (13-0-0). To build a complete nutrient program, pair it with sources of phosphorus and potassium:
Bone Meal 3-15-0
Adds slow-release phosphorus for root development, flowering, and fruiting — the macronutrient blood meal naturally lacks.
Potassium Sulfate 0-0-53
Adds potassium for stress resistance, fruit quality, and cell function. Safe to combine with blood meal in soil applications.
Alfalfa Meal 2.5-0-2.5
Provides additional nitrogen and potassium. A gentler complement for flowering plants and ornamentals where sustained, moderate feeding is preferred.
SCIENCE BEHIND THE FORMULA
13-0-0: Pure Nitrogen, Protein-Bound
Blood meal is essentially concentrated protein — roughly 80% crude protein by dry weight. Soil microbes break that protein into amino acids and then into ammonium, making it one of the faster-releasing organic nitrogen sources available. Release is strongly influenced by soil temperature, moisture, and microbial activity.
🌿 Nitrogen — 13% (Protein-Bound)
Nitrogen is the engine of vegetative growth. It is a key component of chlorophyll (which drives photosynthesis), amino acids (the building blocks of plant proteins), and nucleic acids. Blood meal's 13% N level makes it one of the more concentrated organic nitrogen sources commonly used in gardening.
🌸 Phosphorus — 0%
Blood meal is derived from animal blood, which contains no significant phosphorus. This makes it useful as a targeted nitrogen amendment without the risk of over-applying phosphorus. Pair with Bone Meal 3-15-0 when phosphorus is also needed.
⭐ Potassium — 0%
Blood meal supplies no potassium. For crops that need all three macronutrients, combine with Potassium Sulfate 0-0-53 or Alfalfa Meal 2.5-0-2.5 to round out the nutrient program.
Why Blood Meal Works
🦠 Microbial Breakdown
Unlike urea or ammonium sulfate, which release nitrogen through rapid chemical dissolution, blood meal's nitrogen is locked in protein bonds. Soil bacteria must first digest the protein — a process that creates a natural sustained-release effect and feeds the soil food web simultaneously.
🥬 Drives Lush Foliage
Plants receiving adequate nitrogen produce larger, darker green leaves with more chlorophyll — directly increasing photosynthetic efficiency and above-ground biomass. This is why leafy greens and corn respond so visibly to blood meal applications.
🌡️ Temperature-Dependent Release
Microbial activity is strongly reduced in cold soil. Performance is usually better once soils are consistently above about 50°F, and strongest in warm (65–80°F), evenly moist, biologically active soil. In cold conditions, consider a water-soluble nitrogen source for faster availability.
What to Expect After Application
Days 1–7
Microbial colonization of the protein begins in warm soil (above ~50°F). No visible plant response yet.
Weeks 1–3
Nitrogen begins becoming plant-available in warm, moist, biologically active soil. New growth may begin to accelerate.
Weeks 3–5
Deeper green color often visible in foliage as chlorophyll production increases with nitrogen availability.
Weeks 6–10+
Nitrogen supply begins to taper as protein reserves are fully mineralized. Reapply based on crop needs, growth response, and soil test results.
Results vary with soil temperature, moisture, texture, and microbial activity. Best performance when soil is consistently above about 50°F and kept evenly moist.
APPLICATION RATES & DIRECTIONS
Application Rate Guidance
Rates below are general starting points for home gardens and small-scale production. Actual nitrogen needs vary by soil type, existing organic matter, prior fertilization history, and crop variety. A soil test is the most reliable way to determine how much nitrogen your specific site requires. For field-scale or commercial production, consult your local extension service or a certified crop advisor.
Vegetable Gardens
| Crop Type | Per 100 sq ft | Per Plant | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leafy Greens (lettuce, spinach, kale) | 3–4 lb | 2–3 tbsp | Every 4–6 weeks |
| Corn | 4–5 lb | 2–3 tbsp side-dress | At planting + V6 stage |
| Fruiting Vegetables (tomatoes, peppers) | 2–3 lb | 1–2 tbsp | Vegetative phase only |
| Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli) | 3–4 lb | 2 tbsp | Every 4–6 weeks |
Flowers & Ornamentals
| Plant Type | Application Rate | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Flowers | 1–2 tbsp per plant | Every 4–6 weeks |
| Perennial Flowers | 2–3 tbsp per plant | Spring & mid-summer |
| Roses | ¼ cup per bush | Monthly during growing season |
Trees & Shrubs
| Plant Size | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Small shrubs (under 3 ft) | ½ cup | 2× per year |
| Large shrubs (over 3 ft) | 1–2 cups | 2× per year |
| Young trees | 1–2 cups | 2–3× per year |
| Mature trees | 2–4 cups | 2× per year |
Lawn & Turf
| Application | Rate | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance feeding | 8 lb per 1,000 sq ft | Early spring or fall |
| Standard feeding | 10 lb per 1,000 sq ft | Spring or fall |
| Boost for poor lawn | 12 lb per 1,000 sq ft | Split into 2 applications |
Container & Potted Plants
| Pot Size | Amount per Application | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 6-inch pot | 1 tbsp | Every 4–6 weeks |
| 10-inch pot | 2 tbsp | Every 4–6 weeks |
| 14+ inch pot or grow bag | 3 tbsp | Every 4–6 weeks |
Application Caution
Do not exceed the recommended rates for your crop type. Blood meal is a high-nitrogen input — over-application can delay flowering and fruiting in many crops and may cause ammonium toxicity in sensitive plants, particularly in warm, moist soil where microbial activity is high.
HOW TO USE
Soil & Garden Beds
- Measure your garden area in square feet.
- Calculate the amount of blood meal needed based on crop type (see Application Rates above).
- Spread blood meal evenly over the soil surface — avoid piling against plant stems.
- Work into the top 2–3 inches of soil using a rake or hand cultivator.
- Water thoroughly immediately after application to begin microbial activation.
- Reapply every 4–6 weeks during the active growing season as needed.
Container & Potted Plants
- Measure 1 tablespoon per 6-inch pot, scaling up with pot size.
- Sprinkle evenly over the soil surface, keeping clear of the stem base.
- Lightly scratch into the top inch of potting mix with a chopstick or finger.
- Water well until it drains from the bottom.
- Reapply every 4–6 weeks during the growing season.
Liquid Soil Drench (Containers)
- Mix or stir 1–2 tablespoons of blood meal into 1 gallon of warm water. The powder will not fully dissolve but will form a suspension.
- Stir thoroughly and allow 5–10 minutes for the powder to wet fully.
- Apply directly to the root zone as a soil drench — not as a foliar spray.
- Use within 24 hours; do not store the diluted mixture.
Pro Tip: Timing for Fruiting Crops
For tomatoes, peppers, and other fruiting crops, apply blood meal during the vegetative (leafy growth) phase only. Stop nitrogen applications once flowering begins — excess nitrogen at that stage redirects energy into leaves at the expense of fruit set. Switch to a phosphorus-forward fertilizer like Bone Meal 3-15-0 once buds appear.
Food Garden Safety Note
Blood meal is an animal-origin soil amendment. For edible crops, incorporate it into soil rather than leaving it on the surface, avoid direct contact with harvestable plant parts, and follow good produce-safety practices. Allow it to be watered in thoroughly before harvesting leafy greens.
When Blood Meal Is the Right Choice
- Plants showing yellowing lower leaves — a common sign of nitrogen deficiency
- Leafy crops that need abundant, lush foliage — lettuce, spinach, kale, herbs
- Corn in vegetative stage (V1–V6) when nitrogen demand is highest
- Established lawns needing a spring green-up without synthetic fertilizers
- Soil is warm and biologically active (consistently above ~50°F)
- You want organic nitrogen that also feeds the soil food web
- Fruit trees showing slow vegetative growth — apply 2–4 cups per mature tree in early spring, adjusted based on tree size and soil test results
When to Consider Other Options
- Soil is cold (below ~50°F) — microbial release will be minimal; Ammonium Sulfate 21-0-0 provides immediately available nitrogen in cold conditions
- Plant is in bloom or fruiting — switch to Bone Meal 3-15-0 to support phosphorus needs instead
- You need a complete N-P-K fertilizer — blood meal supplies nitrogen only; pair with phosphorus and potassium sources
- Legumes (beans, peas) — these crops fix their own nitrogen and rarely need additional N
- Pets regularly access the treated area — blood meal's scent can attract dogs; work it well into soil or consider Alfalfa Meal as a lower-odor alternative
BLOOD MEAL CALCULATOR
SAFETY & HANDLING
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Wear gloves when handling — the fine powder can irritate skin with prolonged contact
- Wear a dust mask in enclosed spaces or on windy days to avoid inhaling the dry powder
- Eye protection recommended when pouring or spreading in bulk quantities
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling
Storage Guidelines
- Store in a cool, dry place in the original sealed container or an airtight bag
- Keep out of direct sunlight and away from heat or moisture sources
- Blood meal is hygroscopic — exposure to moisture will cause clumping; reseal tightly after each use
- Keep out of reach of children and pets — the scent can attract animals
Application Precautions
- Do not apply to frozen ground or waterlogged soil — nitrogen will not be absorbed and may run off
- Avoid direct stem contact when side-dressing established plants
- Keep pets away from treated areas until blood meal has been watered in and soil has dried
- Do not exceed recommended rates — excess nitrogen delays flowering and fruiting in many crops
- Blood meal's scent can attract wildlife; incorporate thoroughly into soil rather than leaving on the surface
First Aid
- Eye contact: Flush immediately with clean water for 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
- Skin contact: Wash affected area thoroughly with soap and water.
- Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) or seek medical attention.
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Seek medical attention if coughing or respiratory irritation persists.
Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for complete safety information.
COMPLETE YOUR SYSTEM
Blood meal supplies 13% nitrogen and nothing else. For a complete nutrient program, pair it with sources of phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients based on your crop and soil test results.
Macronutrient Supplements
Bone Meal 3-15-0
The most natural pairing — blood meal handles nitrogen while bone meal provides the phosphorus and calcium needed for roots, flowers, and fruit.
Potassium Sulfate 0-0-53
Rounds out the nutrient program with potassium for stress tolerance, fruit quality, and enzyme activation. Safe to combine with blood meal.
Alfalfa Meal 2.5-0-2.5
Adds a slower secondary nitrogen source plus potassium — excellent for roses, perennials, and ornamentals where gentle, sustained feeding is preferred.
pH & Soil Amendments
Dolomite Lime
If your soil is acidic (below pH 6.0), nitrogen from blood meal may not release efficiently. Dolomite lime raises pH and supplies calcium and magnesium — verify with a soil test first.
Gypsum (Calcium Sulfate)
Adds calcium and sulfur to complement the nitrogen in blood meal without affecting soil pH — ideal for clay soils that need structure improvement.
Micronutrient Support
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is blood meal fertilizer and where does it come from?
Blood meal is dried, powdered bovine blood — a byproduct of USDA-inspected meat processing facilities. The blood is collected, spray-dried or flash-dried at high temperature, and milled into a fine powder. The drying process kills pathogens and concentrates the protein, yielding approximately 13% nitrogen by weight. It has been used as an organic nitrogen source for centuries and remains one of the more concentrated organic amendments commonly available to gardeners.
How does blood meal release nitrogen, and how long does it last?
Blood meal's nitrogen is bound in protein chains. Soil bacteria must break down these proteins into amino acids and then into ammonium before plants can absorb them. In warm, moist, biologically active soil, nitrogen often begins becoming available within 1–3 weeks, with benefits commonly extending for several weeks after that. Release slows significantly in cold soil because microbial activity decreases. For more on how nitrogen functions in plants, see our article on the function of nitrogen in plants.
How long does blood meal take to work?
In warm, moist soil (consistently above about 50°F), plants often begin responding within 1–3 weeks of application. Visible effects like accelerated leaf growth and deeper green color may follow in the weeks after that. In cold or dry soil, release is much slower because microbial activity drives the process. Blood meal is considered fast-acting for an organic nitrogen source, but it does not work as immediately as a water-soluble synthetic fertilizer.
How much blood meal per tomato plant?
For tomatoes during the vegetative phase, 1–2 tablespoons per plant worked into the top layer of soil is a typical starting point. Do not apply once flower buds appear — excess nitrogen at that stage can push leafy growth at the expense of fruit set. Once flowering begins, transition to a phosphorus-supportive fertilizer like Bone Meal 3-15-0.
Will blood meal attract dogs or wildlife to my garden?
Yes — the scent of blood meal can attract dogs, cats, raccoons, and other animals. To minimize this, work blood meal thoroughly into the top 2–3 inches of soil rather than leaving it on the surface, and water it in immediately after application. Once incorporated and moistened, the scent dissipates more quickly. Store unused product in a sealed container away from pets. If animal access is a persistent issue, consider Alfalfa Meal 2.5-0-2.5 as a lower-odor nitrogen alternative.
Can I use blood meal on all my vegetables?
Blood meal works best on nitrogen-hungry crops: leafy greens, corn, brassicas, and herbs in their vegetative growth phase. It is not recommended for legumes (beans, peas), which fix their own nitrogen and rarely benefit from added N. For fruiting crops like tomatoes and peppers, use blood meal only during the vegetative phase — reduce or stop applications at the first sign of flower buds. Because blood meal is an animal-origin soil amendment, incorporate it into soil and avoid direct contact with harvestable plant parts for edible crops.
Does blood meal change soil pH?
Blood meal is not a pH management product. Like many nitrogen inputs, repeated use over time can influence soil pH, so if your soil is already acidic, periodic soil testing is the best way to track any changes. If your soil tests acidic (below pH 6.0), consider adding Dolomite Lime to balance pH alongside your nitrogen program. For more on building healthy soil, see our Organic Gardener's Guide to Soil Preparation.
Is blood meal safe for organic gardening and food crops?
Blood meal is commonly used in certified organic production systems. The 40 lb bag is repackaged from OMRI Listed® material. For food gardens, incorporate it into soil, avoid direct contact with harvestable plant parts, and follow good produce-safety practices for animal-origin soil amendments. Allow it to be watered in thoroughly before harvesting leafy greens. For a broader look at how organic and synthetic fertilizers differ, see our organic vs. synthetic fertilizer comparison.
Why doesn't blood meal have any phosphorus or potassium?
Blood meal is derived from animal blood, which is naturally very high in protein (and therefore nitrogen) but contains no significant phosphorus or potassium. This is the natural nutrient profile of the source material. Rather than a limitation, use blood meal as a targeted nitrogen amendment and pair it with Bone Meal 3-15-0 for phosphorus and Potassium Sulfate 0-0-53 for potassium when a complete program is needed.
GROW WITH CONFIDENCE
Quality & Testing
Every bag of Greenway Biotech Blood Meal is independently lab tested for heavy metal content and verified against quality standards before packaging. The 40 lb bag is repackaged from OMRI Listed® material and sourced from USDA-inspected processing facilities.
- 40 lb bag repackaged from OMRI Listed® material — suitable for certified organic production
- Independently lab tested for heavy metal content
- Sourced from USDA-inspected processing facilities
- CDFA registered fertilizer product
Returns & Guarantee
We stand behind every product we sell. If you are not satisfied with your purchase for any reason, contact us within 90 days for a full refund or exchange — no questions asked.
- 90-day satisfaction guarantee
- Easy returns — contact us by email to start the process
- Replacement or full refund, your choice
Environmental Responsibility
Blood meal puts an existing animal-processing byproduct to productive agricultural use as a concentrated organic nitrogen source. Choosing blood meal also reduces dependence on fossil-fuel-derived synthetic nitrogen inputs.
- 100% byproduct material — no virgin resource extraction required
- Contributes organic nitrogen that supports long-term soil biological activity
- No synthetic additives, fillers, or binders
About Greenway Biotech
Family-owned and operated for 35+ years, Greenway Biotech, Inc. has been supplying premium fertilizers and plant nutrition products since 1989. Based in Madera, California — in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley — we serve commercial growers, hydroponic cultivators, and serious home gardeners with technically accurate, quality-tested products.
- Family-owned and operated since 1989
- Located in Madera, CA — close to our agricultural customers
- CDFA registered fertilizer distributor
DOCUMENTS
DISCOVER MORE
- What Is the Function of Nitrogen in Plants? — The science behind why nitrogen drives plant growth
- Organic vs. Synthetic Fertilizer: Key Differences — How to choose between organic amendments and water-soluble fertilizers
- The Organic Gardener's Guide to Soil Preparation — How to build healthy soil before planting season
- Best Organic Fertilizer for Fruit Trees — How to fertilize fruit trees with Blood Meal: complete seasonal guide
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Check out our full FAQ page or contact our experts for personalized advice.
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