4 Growth Differences Between MAC 1 and London Pound Cake Plants
Comparing strain growth is important for cannabis cultivators to make effective and informed decisions to optimise the efficiency of planting, yield, and weed quality. It helps align some specific genetic traits with environmental conditions, cultivation strategies, and market demands. Here, we explore 4 key growth differences between the London Pound Cake strain and the MAC 1 strain.
Miracle Alien Cookies #1, popularly known as MAC 1 strain, is a balanced, potent, and popular cannabis hybrid. Its popularity is mostly due to complex citrus, creamy, earthy aroma, frosty white buds, and versatile effects, all of which combined offer both a soothing body relaxation and cerebral uplift or creativity. On the other hand, London Pound Cake is an indica-leaning marijuana strain that delivers a spicy and sweet flavour with a nutty and diesel undertone. However, the question lies in the growth factors and how they influence the quality of products. Let’s find out in this blog.
Essential Growth Differences between Mac 1 and London Pound Cake Strain
Before you select either of the two, you must be well aware of the crucial growth differences between Mac 1 and the London Pound Cake strain from the following points:
Growth Difference #1: Genetic Lineage & Plant Structure
MAC 1 is a balanced (1:1, indica-sativa balance) hybrid, resulting from a cross between Miracle 15 and Alien Cookies F2. The lineage includes key genetics from Girl Scout Cookies, OG Kush, Colombian landrace, and Starfighter, contributing to growth traits and balanced effects.
On the other hand, the indica-dominant hybrid (70%), London Pound Cake strain, is a result of a genetic cross between an unknown heavy-dose indica (more likely to be a Girl Scout Cookies phenotype) and Sunset Sherbert. While the MAC 1 strain shows taller growth with spaced internodes, the London Pound Cake is found in a shorter and bushier growth pattern.
Growth Difference #2: Vegetative Growth Speed
Here are the key differences in the vegetative growth of MAC 1 and London Pound Cake strains.
Speed
London Pound Cake is well-known as a productive strain, with a shorter flowering time of 8–10 weeks. It ensures a quick turnaround time, both outdoors and indoors for a quick turnaround time. Compared to this, MAC 1 has a longer flowering period of 9-10 weeks.
Structure
London Pound Cake is mostly medium-sized, but it exhibits vigorous growth, which needs adequate training techniques and space. However, MAC 1 grows tall, more like a sativa growth pattern, reaching up to 8 feet outdoors. LST or SOG (plant training methods) are often required for indoor cultivation.
Ease of Growth
For novice growers, the London Pound Cake strain is often recommended, since it has straightforward growth and is resilient to diseases and pest-related issues. However, MAC 1 needs careful support from experienced growers, who can manage the nutrient requirements and specific environmental conditions.
Growth Difference #3: Yield Potential & Bud Development
London Pound Cake and MAC 1 strains have comparable yield potentials, although they differ in their cultivation difficulties and plant structure.
Yield Potential
Both of these strains provide similar commercial-scale yields if cultivated under optimal conditions. In case of indoor cultivation, MAC 1 yields 400-500 g/m² (approx. 1.5–2 oz/ft²), which increases to 500-600 g/plant (approx. 18 oz/plant) if cultivated outdoors. However, in indoor places, London Pound Cake yields 500 g/m² (approx. 1.64 oz/ft²), increasing up to 600 g in outdoor cultivation.
Bud Development and Plant Characteristics
Here you can find the key differences between bud development and plant characteristics of MAC 1 and London Pound Cake.
| Characteristic | MAC 1 (Miracle Alien Cookies) | London Pound Cake (LPC) |
| Bud Appearance | Chunky and dense buds with purple streaks and deep green hues; presence of orange pistils, covered by frosty, milky trichomes. | Resinous, dense buds mostly display orange pistil; frosty trichomes are also found. |
| Bud Structure | Well-known for its distinctive pointed, almost pine tree-like structure. | It is typically robust and found with dense bud structure. |
| Aroma/Flavour | Shares a complex and notable note of sour gas, sweet citrus with a creamy exhale, and musky funk aroma. | Sweet berries, buttery pastry, vanilla, with citrus and earthy undertones. |
Table 1: Characteristic Differences Between MAC 1 and London Pound Cake Plants
Growth Difference #4: Disease & Pest Resistance
MAC 1’s disease and pest resistance is known for good overall resilience to various pests and plant diseases, while London Pound Cake is naturally and sturdy resistant to pests, heat, and mould. However, the MAC 1 strain is highly susceptible to mildew and mould, especially in the dense buds, and to resist this, it requires 40-50% humidity during flowering and airflow. Also, this is susceptible to Hop Latent Viroid (HLVd), compared to London Pound Cake strains, known for being less prone to specific vulnerabilities, as hybrid crosses like London Mint Cake show reliable resistance to mould and powdery mildew.
While London Pound Cake is a reliable choice in various climate conditions and easier to grow due to its robust nature, MAC 1 is demanding to cultivate, since it requires a precisely controlled environment. Apart from strong airflow, MAC 1 needs regular pruning and vigilant monitoring. In contrast to this, London Pound Cake benefits from standard practices like ventilation, but does not need strict regulations.
Now that we have gained an overview of the growth differences, here is a table to take a look at the differences at a glance:
| Trait | MAC 1 | London Pound Cake |
| Dominance | Balanced Hybrid (50/50: indica/sativa) | Indica-dominant Hybrid (approx. 70/30) |
| Height | Grows very tall, often reaching more than 6 feet | Medium-sized stature; a good choice for indoor cultivation |
| Structure | Balanced phenotype; can be stretched vertically like a sativa; chunky and dense buds. | More bushy and compact, with tightly-packed, dense indica-style buds |
| Flowering Time | Moderate flowering time (9–10 weeks) | Relatively fast flowering time (8–9 weeks) |
| Growing Difficulty | Difficult to grow, often a clone-only strain with particular environment and nutrient requirements | Relatively easy to grow |
| Yield | Moderate yield indoors | High-yielding potential |
Table 2: Trait Differences Between MAC 1 and London Pound Cake
Final Thoughts
The cultivation of MAC 1 and London Pound Cake strains requires specific requirements, focusing on the environment and care, since their yield potential and resistance to pests and hazards vary. While the latter needs a shorter flowering time, the former shows a comparatively lengthy flowering time. Moreover, while the London Pound Cake does not need any strict regulation, MAC 1 needs to be supervised under special circumstances and caution, especially in indoor cultivation.
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