5 Best High Nitrogen Fertilizer | The 46% Nitrogen Reality Check

Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.

If your lawn looks more yellow than green, or your vegetables are stunted and pale, the quickest fix is a high-nitrogen fertilizer. But with numbers like 46-0-0 and 32-0-0 on the label, it is easy to grab the wrong bag and end up with scorched grass or wasted money. This guide breaks down five top-rated options — from fast-acting urea to slow-release blends — so you know exactly which one matches your garden or lawn.

I’m Rikta — the founder and writer behind Lawn Gear Lab. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.

Whether you are nursing a nitrogen-deficient vegetable patch or chasing the thickest lawn on the block, finding the right high nitrogen fertilizer depends on matching the nitrogen percentage and release speed to your specific plants and watering habits.

Quick Picks

How To Choose The Best High Nitrogen Fertilizer

High nitrogen fertilizers push green growth fast, but the wrong type on the wrong plant can do real damage. Here are the three things to look for before you buy.

Nitrogen Percentage and the N-P-K Label

Every fertilizer label shows three numbers — the N-P-K ratio (Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium). The first number is nitrogen. A high nitrogen fertilizer has that first number significantly higher than the other two. Products like 46-0-0 contain 46% nitrogen, making them extremely concentrated. A 32-0-0 has a slightly lower percentage but is often blended with slow-release technology, making it safer for lawns. The higher the nitrogen number, the more careful you need to be with application rates.

Quick Release vs. Slow Release

Quick-release nitrogen goes to work immediately — you see greener grass and faster leaf growth within days. But it can also burn plants if you apply too much or miss a watering cycle. Slow-release formulas feed plants steadily over several weeks. This is the safer option for lawns during the growing season. Some products, like liquid formulations, combine both types in one bottle to give you a fast green-up followed by sustained feeding.

Granules vs. Liquid

Granular fertilizers such as prills (small round pellets) are best for dry broadcast spreaders. They need water to activate. Liquids, on the other hand, are mixed with water and sprayed directly onto the soil or leaves. Liquids act faster because the nitrogen is already dissolved, but they require a bit more time to mix and apply correctly. Granules are the simplest choice for covering large lawns quickly.

Quick Comparison

Model Best For Nitrogen (N-P-K) Item Form Weight Amazon
The Andersons 32-0-0 Lawn recovery & all-season feeding 32-0-0 Granules 18 lbs Amazon
Petramax Liquid 28-0-0 Fast liquid green-up for lawns 28-0-0 Liquid 32 oz Amazon
Greenway Biotech Urea 46-0-0 High-purity nitrogen for gardens & hydroponics 46-0-0 Prills 2 lbs Amazon
Dirty Gardener Urea 46-0-0 High analysis crop & lawn feeding 46-0-0 Granules 5 lbs Amazon
The Grow Co Urea 46-0-0 Versatile garden feeding — corn to flowers 46-0-0 Granules 5 lbs Amazon

In‑Depth Reviews

Best Overall

1. The Andersons Professional Pure Nitrogen 32-0-0 Fertilizer – 18lbs

Dual‑Release NitrogenCovers 6,000 sq ft

The big bag that feeds your lawn steadily without the burn risk.

This is the pick if you want one product to handle the entire growing season. It has 32-0-0 with a mix of quick- and slow-release nitrogen — the fast part greens things up in the first week, while the slow portion keeps feeding for weeks after. That two-speed approach is exactly what a healthy lawn needs: immediate color and long-term thickness. One 18-pound bag covers 6,000 square feet, which is a solid match for the average suburban yard.

The granules are intentionally small, so a broadcast spreader drops them evenly over the turf. Uneven spots lead to patchy growth, and this product’s particle size makes that less likely. Buyers report that within two weeks, their St. Augustine and Bermuda grasses turned a deep, dark green. One reviewer specifically noted that their St. Augustine grass thickened up nicely after the application.

At 18 pounds, this is the heaviest pick in the lineup — a clear 9-pound jump over the 5-pound urea bags below. It is also the only dual-release granular option here. Unlike the straight urea products that need careful watering to avoid soil dehydration, this formula is safer for any turf type, making it the most forgiving choice for someone new to high-nitrogen fertilization.

Why It Stands Out

  • Quick- and slow-release nitrogen in one bag for both fast green-up and sustained feeding
  • Small granule size means better, more uniform coverage from a spreader
  • Covers 6,000 square feet — ideal for mid-to-large lawns

Things to Note

  • Heaviest bag of the five at 18 pounds, so lifting is more effort
  • Not designed for potted plants or hydroponic use — it is a lawn-first product

The season-long winner: If you want a single, forgiving, high-nitrogen feed for your lawn that gives both instant color and steady growth, this is the one to buy.

Not the right fit if: You only need a small amount for a vegetable patch or you prefer a liquid spray routine — this is a 18-pound granular bag made for spreader coverage.

Pro Grade

2. Greenway Biotech, Inc. Urea Fertilizer Plant Food High Efficiency 46% – 2 Pounds

99.9% Pure UreaWater Soluble

The purest nitrogen source — a small bag that goes a very long way.

At 46-0-0, this is the highest nitrogen concentration you will find in a home-garden product. The prills are 99.9% pure urea, sourced from Norway, and the bag is only 2 pounds. Do not let the small size fool you — one reviewer noted that it “effectively fixed nitrogen deficiency in a large garden” because the concentration is so high that a little covers a lot of ground. The recommended application rate is 2-3 pounds per 1,000 square feet for soil, or 1-2 tablespoons per gallon for hydroponics.

Because it is 100% water soluble, this product works well with both a hose-end sprayer and a watering can. It is versatile enough for lawns, but it really shines in gardens — one reviewer used it to rescue a flowerbed damaged by herbicide drift. They removed the burned leaves, applied the product, and saw new growth weeks later.

Compared to the other 46-0-0 options here, this 2-pound bag is a far smaller unit than the 5-pound bags from The Dirty Gardener or The Grow Co — a 3-pound difference in weight and a full 48-ounce gap in unit count. That makes it the best choice if you need pure nitrogen for a smaller garden or a hydroponic setup. The one trade-off: some buyers noted that the package did not include clear application instructions for direct ground use, though the manufacturer did respond quickly by email.

What Makes It Special

  • 99.9% pure urea with 46% nitrogen — the highest concentration in this lineup
  • Fully water soluble, so it mixes easily for sprays or hydroponic feeding
  • Small 2-pound bag is convenient for targeted garden use and easy storage

Considerations

  • Bag may not include full ground-application instructions; you may need to contact the seller
  • Extremely high concentration means over-application burns plants quickly if you do not measure carefully

Pure power for small spaces: Reach for this if you need to fix a nitrogen deficiency in a garden bed or run a hydroponic system and want the highest purity available.

skip it if: You want an all-in-one lawn feed with slow-release technology — this is straight, fast-acting urea that requires precise application.

Value Pick

3. Petramax Liquid Nitrogen Fertilizer 28-0-0 NPK – 32 Oz

Liquid Spray70% Quick / 30% Slow

The liquid that turns a yellow lawn deeply green in one spray.

If you prefer a sprayable fertilizer over spreading granules, this liquid 28-0-0 is the most practical route. It uses a 2-in-1 release system: 70% of the nitrogen is quick-release for an instant color boost, and 30% is slow-release, so the grass keeps feeding between applications. Mix 5 ounces per gallon of water for routine maintenance, or 10 ounces per gallon if you are correcting a clear nitrogen deficiency. A single 32-ounce bottle can treat up to 12,800 square feet for maintenance.

The liquid form is great for even coverage — you simply attach it to a sprayer and walk the lawn. One buyer shared that they “applied 2/3 gallon to a 20x12x13 triangle with 4-6″ cheap mulch” and saw great results, noting the grass greened up fast. Another reviewer switched to a PetraTools battery-powered sprayer and reported multiple repeat purchases, which suggests the consistency works well for routine seasonal feeding.

Unlike the granular picks that require a spreader and watering-in, this bottle gives you immediate control over where the nitrogen lands. It works on all grass types, warm-season or cool-season. The trade-off is volume: 32 ounces goes further than you think, but for a large property you will need multiple bottles or a switch to the 18-pound granular option. The Andersons covers 6,000 sq ft in one bag versus this bottle’s 12,800 sq ft at maintenance rate, so the liquid actually stretches further per unit on a healthy lawn.

Why It Works

  • 70/30 blend of quick and slow-release nitrogen for immediate color plus sustained feeding
  • Treats up to 12,800 square feet per bottle at the maintenance rate
  • Easy to use with any sprayer and works on all grass types

Watch Out For

  • Liquid concentrates require measuring and mixing before each use
  • You will run out faster for a large lawn in full nitrogen-deficiency correction mode (half the coverage area)

Best for the spray-and-go crowd: Grab this if you already own a sprayer and want the fastest green-up liquid on the market with a built-in slow-release backup.

Not the match if: You prefer a low-maintenance granular application and do not want to mix liquid each time.

Budget Champion

4. The Dirty Gardener Nitrogen Fertilizer Urea 46-0-0 – 5 Pounds

Prilled Urea5 Pound Bag

Straightforward 46% nitrogen in a 5-pound bag that works in any spreader.

This is the entry-level high-nitrogen choice — no frills, just pure prilled urea with 46-0-0 analysis. The 5-pound bag is manageable for small-to-medium lawns and garden beds. Because it is a dry granular form, it spreads well with broadcast spreaders. One buyer mentioned they used it on the lowest spreader setting weekly during spring and fall and ended up with a “green thick lawn” that beat the neighbors.

There is one important catch with straight urea that The Dirty Gardener mentions clearly in the description: it tends to dehydrate the soil, so you need plenty of water after application. Without watering it in fully, the nitrogen can evaporate or burn the grass. Buyers confirm that uneven application causes patchy growth and burn spots, but when spread correctly the results are tough to top.

This product has the same nitrogen percentage as the Greenway Biotech 46-0-0 (both 46-0-0), but at 5 pounds it is a heavier bag — a 3-pound difference. That extra weight gives you more coverage per purchase. It is less expensive than the premium Andersons bag, which at 18 pounds costs more but uses a safer 32-0-0 dual-release formula. The Dirty Gardener bag is pure fast-acting urea: you get maximum nitrogen for the price, but you must manage watering carefully.

What You Get

  • Highest nitrogen percentage (46-0-0) in a generous 5-pound bag
  • Dry granules work well with most broadcast spreaders
  • Great value for cost-conscious gardeners who can manage watering

Before You Buy

  • Requires thorough watering to prevent soil dehydration and nitrogen burn
  • Uneven application causes patchy growth — use a spreader, not by hand

Pick this for the budget gardener: Buy this if you have a small-to-medium lawn and are comfortable watering in your fertilizer each time to avoid burn.

Look elsewhere if: You want a slow-release, low-maintenance formula — this is pure fast-acting urea that demands attention to application and watering.

Garden Favorite

5. The Grow Co 5 lb. Urea Fertilizer 46-0-0 – High Nitrogen Fertilizer for Plants

Versatile FeedCorn & Flowers

The all-purpose 46-0-0 that pushes corn, tomatoes, and flowers into overdrive.

The Grow Co markets this as an “all purpose fertilizer,” and the reviews back it up. One reviewer described applying it “on my sweet corn at 6 inches tall and 12 inches tall” — and the result was corn stalks as big around as an arm, with leaves so green and healthy they had never seen before. Another buyer used it on tomatoes and squash and reported a big boost in growth through the season. Flowering bushes produced more blooms and healthier foliage.

The 46-0-0 ratio is the same high-strength urea as The Dirty Gardener’s bag, so the same warning applies: use it with care. The manufacturer’s instructions suggest 1/2-pound per 1,000 square feet for established turf, and 1/2 teaspoon near the drip line for vegetables, flowers, shrubs, and trees. This granular formula dissolves and is “highly soluble” according to the brand, which helps the nitrogen move into the root zone quickly.

At 5 pounds with an 80-ounce unit count, this bag weighs the same as The Dirty Gardener bag but targets a different primary audience — here the focus is on garden vegetables and flowers rather than just lawns. The Greenway Biotech 2-pound bag is the better choice if you only need a small amount for a specific deficiency. The Grow Co bag is the better pick if you want to feed a large garden plot and multiple planting rounds through the season.

What Works Well

  • 46-0-0 formula proven to boost sweet corn, tomatoes, squash, and flowering plants
  • Easy-to-follow application rates: 1/2 lb per 1,000 sq ft for turf, 1/2 teaspoon per plant for gardens
  • Highly soluble granules for quick absorption into the soil

Keep In Mind

  • All the burn risk of a high-concentration urea — do not over-apply
  • Not ideal for large lawns; the 18-pound Andersons bag covers more ground per purchase

Top pick for vegetable growers: Reach for this if you want a proven high-nitrogen feed for sweet corn, tomatoes, flowers, and shrubs that delivers fast, measurable results.

Give it a pass if: You need a slow-release lawn formula — this is straight 46-0-0 urea that requires careful measurement and consistent watering.

Understanding the Specs

N-P-K Ratio: The First Number Tells the Story

The three numbers on a fertilizer bag represent nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). A high nitrogen fertilizer like 46-0-0 has 46% nitrogen by weight and zero phosphorus and potassium. The higher the first number, the more concentrated the product. A 32-0-0 is still high in nitrogen but has a wider safety margin than 46-0-0. For lawns, a ratio like 32-0-0 or 28-0-0 is common. For a quick green-up on vegetables, 46-0-0 prilled urea is the standard choice — but you must use less of it.

Quick Release vs. Slow Release: Speed vs. Safety

Quick-release nitrogen is immediately available to plants. You see results in days, but it can burn if applied heavily or left dry. Slow-release nitrogen breaks down over weeks through microbial action or a coating on the granule. Products like the Petramax liquid 28-0-0 combine both: the fast portion green things up now, and the slow portion keeps feeding between applications. Granular products like The Andersons 32-0-0 also use a dual-release mix. Pure urea (46-0-0) is entirely quick-release — it works fast but demands careful watering.

FAQ

Can I use a 46-0-0 fertilizer on my lawn?
Yes, but you must be very careful. A 46-0-0 urea is extremely concentrated. For lawns, the typical rate is about 1/2 pound per 1,000 square feet. Apply it when the grass is dry, then water it in immediately to prevent burn. A slow-release 32-0-0 like The Andersons bag is a safer choice for most homeowners because it reduces the risk of nitrogen burn and feeds the lawn steadily over weeks.
What is the difference between pure urea and a 28-0-0 liquid fertilizer?
Pure urea (46-0-0) is a dry granular product with the highest nitrogen concentration. A liquid 28-0-0, like the Petramax option, has lower concentration but is already dissolved in water, so it goes to work faster. The liquid also often includes slow-release technology (the Petramax has 30% slow-release nitrogen), which straight urea does not. You choose between them based on whether you prefer spreading dry granules or spraying liquid.
How often should I apply high nitrogen fertilizer to my lawn?
Most lawns benefit from application once in early spring and again in late fall. For a product with quick-release nitrogen, wait at least 4 to 6 weeks between applications. If you use a slow-release formula like The Andersons 32-0-0, you can apply it anytime during the growing season without worrying as much about burn, as long as you follow the label rate. Over-fertilizing pushes excessive leaf growth and increases mowing frequency.
Will high nitrogen fertilizer burn my plants?
Yes, it can. High nitrogen fertilizers, especially pure urea at 46-0-0, will burn grass and plants if applied too heavily or left on leaves without watering. The salts in the fertilizer draw moisture out of the plant tissue, causing leaf tip burn or root damage. Always follow the application rate on the label and water thoroughly after applying. Products with slow-release nitrogen are more forgiving because the nitrogen is released gradually rather than all at once.
Can I use high nitrogen fertilizer on vegetables like tomatoes and sweet corn?
Yes. High nitrogen fertilizer such as 46-0-0 is excellent for leaf and stalk growth. For sweet corn, apply it when the plants are about 6 inches tall and again at 12 inches tall. For tomatoes, use it early in the season to build strong foliage before the fruit sets. But after flowering begins, switch to a balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10) to avoid too much leafy growth at the expense of fruit production.
What does 32-0-0 mean on a fertilizer label?
It means the product contains 32% nitrogen, 0% phosphorus, and 0% potassium. The first number (32) is the nitrogen percentage. A 32-0-0 label is still a high-nitrogen fertilizer, but it is less concentrated than a 46-0-0, which makes it somewhat safer for lawns. The Andersons 32-0-0 combines this with both quick-release and slow-release nitrogen technology for a more balanced feeding schedule.
How do I apply granular high nitrogen fertilizer?
Use a broadcast spreader for lawns. Set it to the recommended setting based on the product instructions. Walk at a steady pace and overlap slightly to avoid stripes. After spreading, water the lawn thoroughly to dissolve the granules and move the nitrogen into the soil. For garden plants like corn or tomatoes, sprinkle the granules near the base of the plant at the recommended rate, scratch them into the soil lightly, and water.
Is liquid or granular high nitrogen fertilizer better?
Both work well, but they suit different routines. Liquid fertilizers like the Petramax 28-0-0 act faster because the nitrogen is already dissolved, and they are easier to apply to uneven terrain with a sprayer. Granular fertilizers like The Andersons 32-0-0 are simpler for large, flat lawns and provide a longer feeding window when they include slow-release nitrogen. The choice depends on whether you prefer mixing and spraying or just spreading and watering.
Can I use high nitrogen fertilizer in a hydroponic system?
Yes, but only if the fertilizer is water soluble. The Greenway Biotech 46-0-0 is 100% water soluble and specifically mentions being suitable for hydroponic use at a rate of 1-2 tablespoons per gallon of water. Make sure to dissolve the prills completely before adding to your reservoir. Other dry granular products may not be fully soluble and could clog your system — always check the label for water solubility before using in hydroponics.
How do I store high nitrogen fertilizer safely?
Keep it in a cool, dry place away from heat sources and open flames. Urea fertilizers can absorb moisture from the air and turn into hard clumps, so reseal the bag tightly after each use. Store it in its original container or a labeled, airtight plastic bin. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not store it near seeds or food items. Most bags like the 2-pound Greenway Biotech or 5-pound The Dirty Gardener are resealable and should stay dry in a garage or shed shelf.

Final Thoughts: The Verdict

If you want one dependable pick, the high nitrogen fertilizer winner is the The Andersons 32-0-0 because its dual-release blend gives you the fastest green-up without the burn risk of pure urea. If you prefer a liquid spray that works on all grass types and stretches further per bottle, grab the Petramax Liquid 28-0-0. And for the most concentrated, pure nitrogen fix in a garden bed or hydroponic setup, the standout is the Greenway Biotech 46-0-0.

How We Picked

We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.

Sources & Methodology

Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.

As an Amazon Associate, Lawn Gear Lab earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.

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