Bordeaux mixture is a legendary and time-tested fungicide that's been trusted for generations. From vineyards in France to home gardens across the UK, this powerful blend of copper sulfate and lime helps prevent and control a wide range of plant diseases.
In this guide, we'll explore everything you need to know, including:
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What Bordeaux mixture is
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Why it's beneficial
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How to use it safely and effectively
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Where to buy it (including a ready-made option from HD Chemicals LTD)
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FAQs to solve common issues
🌱 What Is Bordeaux Mixture?
Bordeaux mixture is a fungicide and bactericide made from a combination of copper(II) sulfate and hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide) mixed with water. Originally created in the 1800s, it's still widely used today in organic and traditional agriculture alike.
When applied to plants, it forms a protective layer that kills fungal spores on contact and prevents disease establishment.
🍇 What Does Bordeaux Mixture Treat?
This mixture is especially effective for:
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Downy mildew (grapes, cucumbers, lettuces)
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Powdery mildew (roses, apples)
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Tomato blight
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Peach leaf curl
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Apple scab
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Bacterial canker
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Fire blight
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Anthracnose
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Shot hole disease (stone fruits)
Its broad-spectrum action makes it a top choice for gardeners looking for preventative protection.
🌿 Why Use Bordeaux Mixture?
Here’s why gardeners and growers love it:
1. Broad-Spectrum Disease Control
It combats fungi and bacteria, unlike many synthetic fungicides.
2. Long-Lasting Protection
Once applied and dried, it resists being washed away by rain. Great for the UK's unpredictable weather!
3. Prevents Resistance
Diseases are less likely to develop resistance to copper-based fungicides than to synthetic alternatives.
4. Organic-Friendly
Approved in many organic systems (check with your certifier), it’s a staple for sustainable growers.
5. Affordable and Accessible
With ready-mixed products like the one from HD Chemicals LTD, it's easy and economical to use.
🧪 How to Use Bordeaux Mixture
Option 1: Buy It Ready-Made
Skip the fuss and buy a pre-mixed Bordeaux Mixture from HD Chemicals LTD. It contains the correct ratios and comes in resealable packaging. Just follow the label instructions!
Option 2: Mix It Yourself (DIY Guide)
Standard Ratio (1% Bordeaux Solution)
For 10 litres of mixture:
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100g Copper Sulfate
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100g Hydrated Lime
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10L clean water
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Dissolve 100g copper sulfate in 5 litres of warm water (use a plastic bucket).
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Mix 100g hydrated lime into 5 litres of water in a second bucket.
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Slowly mix the lime solution with copper sulfate solution, stirring constantly.
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Strain through a muslin cloth before spraying.
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Use immediately—do not store.
⏱ When to Apply Bordeaux Mixture
Dormant Season (Late Autumn–Early Spring)
Ideal for fruit trees, vines, and shrubs. Helps kill overwintering spores.
Growing Season (Sparingly)
Use with caution, ideally in early mornings or cool, overcast days. High temperatures and intense sun can cause leaf scorching.
Do not apply during flowering to avoid harming pollinators.
⚠️ Safety & Storage Tips
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Always wear gloves, goggles, and a mask.
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Avoid inhaling powders or spray mist.
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Store the dry mix in a cool, dry place—well-labelled and out of reach of children and pets.
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Do not reuse leftover solution—dispose of it responsibly.
🌎 Environmental Considerations
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Overuse can cause copper accumulation in soil, affecting worms and microbes.
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Use only as needed—preventative treatment is best.
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Rinse equipment well after use to avoid corrosion.
🛒 Where to Buy Bordeaux Mixture in the UK
The easiest way to get high-quality Bordeaux mixture is from HD Chemicals LTD, a trusted UK supplier offering:
👉 Bordeaux Mixture (Copper Sulphate + Lime) – Available here**
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Available in 5ltr and 10ltr sizes
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Ideal for hobbyists and professional gardeners
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Reliable, safe, and high-purity
Bordeaux mixture remains one of the most effective and eco-conscious plant protectors available. Whether you're growing grapes, tomatoes, or stone fruit, it offers tried-and-true disease prevention when used wisely.
For convenience and reliability, try the ready-to-mix blend from HD Chemicals LTD—your plants will thank you!
Step 1. Order Bordeaux Mixture online at HD Chemicals
Step 2. Wait for courier or postman
Step 3. Use Bordeaux Mixture in your garden
Applying Bordeaux mixture properly to trees is key to making sure it works effectively without causing harm. Here's the best method to apply Bordeaux mixture to fruit trees or ornamental trees, whether you're tackling fungal diseases or using it as a preventative spray.
🌳 Best Way to Apply Bordeaux Mixture on Trees
✅ You Will Need:
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A pressure sprayer or knapsack sprayer (with a coarse nozzle)
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Freshly mixed Bordeaux solution
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Protective gear: gloves, goggles, mask, long sleeves
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A calm, dry day with no rain forecast for 24 hours
🪜 Step-by-Step Application Guide
1. Choose the Right Time
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Dormant Season (late autumn to early spring): Ideal for heavy application on fruit trees.
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Early Spring (pre-bud burst): Excellent for preventing early diseases like peach leaf curl.
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Avoid during flowering or fruit set to protect pollinators and prevent phytotoxicity.
2. Prepare the Mixture
Use a freshly mixed 1% solution (100g copper sulfate + 100g hydrated lime per 10L water), or use the ready-mixed product from HD Chemicals LTD.
3. Strain Before Spraying
Use a muslin cloth or fine mesh to filter the mixture into the sprayer. This prevents nozzle clogging, especially important when treating large trees.
4. Spray Evenly
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Start from the top of the tree and work your way down.
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Spray until the solution drips from the branches and trunk—full coverage is key.
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Make sure to coat the underside of branches and any rough bark where spores can hide.
5. Don’t Forget the Trunk & Ground Area
Diseases often linger around the base of the tree. Give the trunk a thorough spray, and lightly treat the soil surrounding it (not for root absorption, but to target fallen spores).
🕒 How Often?
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Dormant trees: Once or twice per season.
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Actively growing trees: Only if necessary, and with caution. Avoid hot days or drought-stressed trees.
⚠️ Top Tips:
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Avoid application within 24 hours of rain or frost.
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Clean your sprayer thoroughly after use—copper residues can corrode metal parts.
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If possible, rotate fungicides or alternate with non-copper options to reduce soil copper build-up.
❓ FAQ – Bordeaux Mixture Questions Answered
1. Is Bordeaux mixture safe for organic gardening?
Yes, it’s permitted under many organic standards, though copper usage may be regulated. Check with your certification body.
2. Can I use Bordeaux mixture on edible crops?
Absolutely—but follow pre-harvest intervals (usually 21 days before harvest). Wash produce thoroughly.
3. How often should I apply Bordeaux mixture?
1–3 times per season is usually enough. Avoid overuse to prevent soil copper build-up.
4. Does Bordeaux mixture kill existing infections?
It’s preventative, not curative. Apply before symptoms appear for best results.
5. Why do I see white residue on my plants after spraying?
That’s normal. The lime component leaves a chalky coating, which helps protect the surface.
6. Can Bordeaux mixture harm my plants?
Yes, if applied in hot weather, during flowering, or too frequently. Always test on a small area first.
7. What’s the shelf life of dry Bordeaux mixture?
When stored properly in a sealed container, it can last 1–2 years. Keep away from moisture.
8. Can I mix Bordeaux with other pesticides or fertilisers?
Generally no. Mixing can cause reactions or reduce efficacy. Apply Bordeaux separately.
9. Is it safe around bees and wildlife?
Yes, when applied correctly and not during flowering. Avoid spraying bees directly.
10. What should I do with leftover spray?
Do not pour down drains. Use it up within the day or dispose of it at a local chemical waste site.