Plant Varieties

Plant varieties are the cultivated plants you would find in nurseries, seed catalogs, and home gardens — 15,000+ records with 80+ data points each. On this page, you will find the full reference for every variety endpoint, including search, filtering, lookup by ID, and the category/type/subtype hierarchy.

The variety model

The variety model contains growing requirements, growth details, lifecycle milestones, care instructions, species linkage, and more for each cultivated plant record.

Properties

Name
id
Type
string
Description
Unique identifier for the variety record (UUID).
Name
mappingId
Type
string
Description
Internal mapping identifier that links this variety to its species record.
Name
category
Type
string
Description
Broad grouping: vegetable, fruit, herb, or flower.
Name
name
Type
string
Description
Full display name of the variety (e.g., "Sungold Tomato"). Indexed for search.
Name
cultivarName
Type
string | null
Description
The cultivar portion of the name (e.g., "Sungold"). Null when not applicable.
Name
type
Type
string
Description
Plant type within the category (e.g., "tomato", "blueberry", "basil").
Name
subtype
Type
string
Description
Further classification (e.g., "cherry tomato", "rabbiteye").
Name
description
Type
string
Description
General description of the variety.
Name
imageUrl
Type
string | null
Description
URL to a representative image. Null when no image is available.
Name
growingRequirements
Type
object
Description
Nested object containing minGrowingZone (number), maxGrowingZone (number), growingZoneRange (string), careInstructions, soilPreference, sunlightRequirement, waterRequirement, preferredTemperature, and spacingRequirement.
Name
growthDetails
Type
object
Description
Nested object containing growthPeriod (string), growthType (string), matureHeight (number, inches), matureWidth (number, inches), and unit (string).
Name
lifecycleMilestones
Type
object
Description
Nested object containing avgFirstBloomDate, firstHarvestDate, and lastHarvestDate (all string or null).
Name
careInstructions
Type
object
Description
Nested object containing plantingInstructions (object with startIndoors, transplantOutdoors, directSow), pruningInstructions, and harvestingInstructions.
Name
commonUses
Type
string
Description
Typical uses (e.g., "Fresh eating, slicing, cooking").
Name
pestAndDiseaseRisks
Type
string
Description
Known pests or diseases to watch for.
Name
highlights
Type
string | null
Description
Notable features (e.g., "Drought tolerant, pollinator-friendly").
Name
history
Type
string | null
Description
Historical or cultural background, if available.
Name
species
Type
object | null
Description
Linked species record containing id, commonName, scientificName, taxonomy (object), growthDetails (object with growthHabit, duration, activeGrowthPeriod), distribution (object with stateAndProvince), and nativeStatus.

GET/v1/plants/varieties/search

Search varieties

Full-text search across variety names, descriptions, and highlights, with optional filters. Supports fuzzy matching for partial names and minor misspellings. Returns 10 items per page by default.

Required attributes

Name
q
Type
string
Description
Search query string (e.g., "sungold", "drought tolerant tomato").

Optional attributes

Name
category
Type
string
Description
Filter by category: vegetable, fruit, herb, or flower.
Name
type
Type
string
Description
Filter by plant type (e.g., "tomato", "pepper").
Name
subtype
Type
string
Description
Filter by subtype (e.g., "cherry tomato").
Name
growingZone
Type
string
Description
Filter to varieties that grow in this hardiness zone (e.g., "7").
Name
sunlightRequirement
Type
string
Description
Filter by sunlight needs (e.g., "Full sun", "Partial shade").
Name
waterRequirement
Type
string
Description
Filter by water needs (e.g., "Low", "Moderate").
Name
soilPreference
Type
string
Description
Filter by soil type (e.g., "Loamy", "Well-drained").
Name
growthPeriod
Type
string
Description
Filter by growth period (e.g., "Annual", "Perennial").
Name
growthType
Type
string
Description
Filter by growth type (e.g., "Vine", "Bush", "Shrub").
Name
minHeight
Type
integer
Description
Minimum mature height in inches.
Name
maxHeight
Type
integer
Description
Maximum mature height in inches.
Name
commonUses
Type
string
Description
Filter by use (e.g., "culinary", "ornamental").
Name
preferredTemperature
Type
string
Description
Filter by temperature range.
Name
highlights
Type
string
Description
Filter by highlights text (e.g., "heirloom", "disease resistant").
Name
pestAndDiseaseRisks
Type
string
Description
Filter by pest/disease risk (e.g., "blight", "powdery mildew").
Name
hasImage
Type
boolean
Description
Filter to varieties with (true) or without (false) images.

Boolean trait filters -- pass true to filter for varieties with that trait: deerResistant, droughtTolerant, attractsPollinators, isEdible, isNative, isInvasive.

Additional filters: bloomMonth, soilMoisture, soilPhMin, soilPhMax.

Pagination

Name
page
Type
integer
Description
Page number. Defaults to 1.
Name
perPage
Type
integer
Description
Results per page. Defaults to 10.
Name
sortBy
Type
string
Description
Sort field (e.g., "name", "category").
Name
sortOrder
Type
string
Description
Sort direction: asc or desc.
Name
cursor
Type
string
Description
Cursor for cursor-based pagination. Use nextCursor from the previous response.

Request

GET

/v1/plants/varieties/search

curl -G "https://verdantly-gardening-api.p.rapidapi.com/v1/plants/varieties/search" \
  --data-urlencode "q=sungold" \
  --data-urlencode "category=vegetable" \
  --data-urlencode "perPage=5" \
  -H "X-RapidAPI-Host: verdantly-gardening-api.p.rapidapi.com" \
  -H "X-RapidAPI-Key: {apiKey}"

Response

{
  "data": [
    {
      "id": "107b8dbb-9fc1-4417-adff-2f647f274969",
      "mappingId": "85ccf041-12ca-4748-ac51-dda0cd14251f",
      "category": "vegetable",
      "name": "Sungold Tomato",
      "cultivarName": "Sungold",
      "type": "tomato",
      "subtype": "cherry tomato",
      "description": "A cherry tomato variety known for its exceptionally sweet and tangy flavor, bright orange color, and early harvest.",
      "imageUrl": "https://images.verdantly.io/varieties/sungold-tomato.jpg",
      "growingRequirements": {
        "minGrowingZone": 3,
        "maxGrowingZone": 10,
        "growingZoneRange": "3-10",
        "careInstructions": "Stake or cage for support. Water regularly to prevent cracking.",
        "soilPreference": "Well-drained, fertile soil with high organic matter",
        "sunlightRequirement": "Full sun",
        "waterRequirement": "Medium to high",
        "preferredTemperature": "70-85\u00b0F",
        "spacingRequirement": "18-24 inches between plants"
      },
      "growthDetails": {
        "growthPeriod": "Annual",
        "growthType": "Vine",
        "matureHeight": 60,
        "matureWidth": 24,
        "unit": "inches"
      },
      "lifecycleMilestones": {
        "avgFirstBloomDate": "50-60 days after sowing",
        "firstHarvestDate": "65 days after transplanting",
        "lastHarvestDate": "Indeterminate - until frost"
      },
      "careInstructions": {
        "plantingInstructions": {
          "startIndoors": "6-8 weeks before the last frost date.",
          "transplantOutdoors": "After last frost, once soil warms to 60\u00b0F.",
          "directSow": "Not recommended."
        },
        "pruningInstructions": "Remove suckers to encourage airflow and reduce disease risks.",
        "harvestingInstructions": "Harvest when the tomatoes turn deep golden orange."
      },
      "commonUses": "Fresh eating, salads, garnishes, and snacking.",
      "pestAndDiseaseRisks": "Susceptible to tomato blight, aphids, and whiteflies.",
      "highlights": "Highly sweet and tangy cherry tomato. Early maturing with prolific fruit production.",
      "history": "Bred in Japan for its exceptional flavor and consistent production.",
      "species": {
        "id": "a1b2c3d4-e5f6-7890-abcd-ef1234567890",
        "commonName": "tomato",
        "scientificName": "Solanum lycopersicum L.",
        "taxonomy": {
          "family": "Solanaceae",
          "genus": "Solanum",
          "species": "lycopersicum",
          "familyCommonName": "Nightshade family",
          "category": "Dicot",
          "taxonRank": "Species",
          "scientificNameAuthorship": "L."
        },
        "growthDetails": {
          "growthHabit": "Forb/herb",
          "duration": "Annual",
          "activeGrowthPeriod": "Spring and Summer"
        },
        "distribution": {
          "stateAndProvince": "USA (All states), CAN (BC, ON)"
        },
        "nativeStatus": "L48 (I)"
      }
    }
  ],
  "meta": {
    "totalCount": 3,
    "page": 1,
    "perPage": 5,
    "pages": 1,
    "nextCursor": null
  }
}

GET/v1/plants/varieties/name

Search varieties by name

A lightweight name-only search endpoint. Returns the same variety model but optimized for autocomplete and type-ahead use cases. Supports full fuzzy matching. Returns 10 items per page by default.

Required attributes

Name
q
Type
string
Description
Query string to search by name (e.g., "cherokee purple").

Optional attributes

Name
page
Type
integer
Description
Page number. Defaults to 1.
Name
perPage
Type
integer
Description
Results per page. Defaults to 10.
Name
cursor
Type
string
Description
Cursor for cursor-based pagination.

Request

GET

/v1/plants/varieties/name

curl -G "https://verdantly-gardening-api.p.rapidapi.com/v1/plants/varieties/name" \
  --data-urlencode "q=cherokee purple" \
  -H "X-RapidAPI-Host: verdantly-gardening-api.p.rapidapi.com" \
  -H "X-RapidAPI-Key: {apiKey}"

Response

{
  "data": [
    {
      "id": "c4a7e2b1-3d5f-4890-a1bc-def234567890",
      "mappingId": "77ab3210-ef45-4c89-b012-345678abcdef",
      "category": "vegetable",
      "name": "Cherokee Purple Tomato",
      "cultivarName": "Cherokee Purple",
      "type": "tomato",
      "subtype": "slicer tomato",
      "description": "An heirloom beefsteak with dusky purple-pink skin and a rich, complex, slightly smoky flavor. One of the most popular heirloom tomatoes grown in the US.",
      "imageUrl": "https://images.verdantly.io/varieties/cherokee-purple-tomato.jpg",
      "growingRequirements": {
        "minGrowingZone": 4,
        "maxGrowingZone": 10,
        "growingZoneRange": "4-10",
        "careInstructions": "Stake or cage indeterminate vines. Consistent watering prevents cracking.",
        "soilPreference": "Rich, well-drained soil with compost",
        "sunlightRequirement": "Full sun",
        "waterRequirement": "Moderate",
        "preferredTemperature": "70-85\u00b0F",
        "spacingRequirement": "24-36 inches apart"
      },
      "growthDetails": {
        "growthPeriod": "Annual",
        "growthType": "Vine",
        "matureHeight": 72,
        "matureWidth": 36,
        "unit": "inches"
      },
      "lifecycleMilestones": {
        "avgFirstBloomDate": "Mid-spring",
        "firstHarvestDate": "80 days after transplanting",
        "lastHarvestDate": "Until first frost"
      },
      "careInstructions": {
        "plantingInstructions": {
          "startIndoors": "6-8 weeks before last frost.",
          "transplantOutdoors": "After last frost when soil is 60\u00b0F+.",
          "directSow": "Not recommended."
        },
        "pruningInstructions": "Remove lower leaves and suckers for better airflow.",
        "harvestingInstructions": "Harvest when shoulders turn deep purple-brown and fruit gives slightly."
      },
      "commonUses": "Fresh eating, sandwiches, salads",
      "pestAndDiseaseRisks": "Blight, hornworms, cracking",
      "highlights": "Rich heirloom flavor, beautiful purple-pink color.",
      "history": "Believed to originate from Cherokee Nation seeds, dating back over 100 years. Rediscovered in the 1990s and has since become one of the most beloved heirloom tomatoes.",
      "species": {
        "id": "a1b2c3d4-e5f6-7890-abcd-ef1234567890",
        "commonName": "tomato",
        "scientificName": "Solanum lycopersicum L.",
        "taxonomy": {
          "family": "Solanaceae",
          "genus": "Solanum",
          "species": "lycopersicum",
          "familyCommonName": "Nightshade family",
          "category": "Dicot",
          "taxonRank": "Species",
          "scientificNameAuthorship": "L."
        },
        "growthDetails": {
          "growthHabit": "Forb/herb",
          "duration": "Annual",
          "activeGrowthPeriod": "Spring and Summer"
        },
        "distribution": {
          "stateAndProvince": "USA (All states), CAN (BC, ON)"
        },
        "nativeStatus": "L48 (I)"
      }
    }
  ],
  "meta": {
    "totalCount": 2,
    "page": 1,
    "perPage": 10,
    "pages": 1,
    "nextCursor": null
  }
}

GET/v1/plants/varieties/filter

Filter varieties

Filter varieties using any combination of criteria without a text search query. All filter parameters are optional and can be combined freely. Returns 10 items per page by default.

This endpoint accepts the same filter and pagination parameters as the search endpoint above, minus the q parameter.

Optional attributes

Name
category
Type
string
Description
Filter by category: vegetable, fruit, herb, or flower.
Name
type
Type
string
Description
Filter by plant type (e.g., "tomato", "basil").
Name
subtype
Type
string
Description
Filter by subtype (e.g., "cherry tomato").
Name
growingZone
Type
string
Description
Filter to varieties suited for this hardiness zone.
Name
sunlightRequirement
Type
string
Description
Filter by sunlight needs.
Name
waterRequirement
Type
string
Description
Filter by water needs.
Name
soilPreference
Type
string
Description
Filter by soil type.
Name
growthPeriod
Type
string
Description
Filter by growth period.
Name
growthType
Type
string
Description
Filter by growth type.
Name
minHeight
Type
integer
Description
Minimum mature height in inches.
Name
maxHeight
Type
integer
Description
Maximum mature height in inches.
Name
commonUses
Type
string
Description
Filter by use.
Name
preferredTemperature
Type
string
Description
Filter by temperature range.
Name
highlights
Type
string
Description
Filter by highlights text.
Name
pestAndDiseaseRisks
Type
string
Description
Filter by pest/disease risk.
Name
hasImage
Type
boolean
Description
Filter to varieties with or without images.

Boolean trait filters: deerResistant, droughtTolerant, attractsPollinators, isEdible, isNative, isInvasive.

Additional filters: bloomMonth, soilMoisture, soilPhMin, soilPhMax.

Pagination: page, perPage, sortBy, sortOrder, cursor.

Request

GET

/v1/plants/varieties/filter

curl -G "https://verdantly-gardening-api.p.rapidapi.com/v1/plants/varieties/filter" \
  --data-urlencode "category=vegetable" \
  --data-urlencode "growingZone=7" \
  --data-urlencode "droughtTolerant=true" \
  --data-urlencode "perPage=5" \
  -H "X-RapidAPI-Host: verdantly-gardening-api.p.rapidapi.com" \
  -H "X-RapidAPI-Key: {apiKey}"

Response

{
  "data": [
    {
      "id": "fe039c34-ef51-409c-a238-b9c30f4bbb92",
      "mappingId": "613a1110-d758-4426-95db-172d0a225911",
      "category": "vegetable",
      "name": "Abraham Lincoln Tomato",
      "cultivarName": "Abraham Lincoln",
      "type": "tomato",
      "subtype": "slicer tomato",
      "description": "A deep red, juicy heirloom known for its rich, sweet flavor.",
      "imageUrl": null,
      "growingRequirements": {
        "minGrowingZone": 4,
        "maxGrowingZone": 10,
        "growingZoneRange": "4-10",
        "careInstructions": "Provide strong trellising to support heavy fruit production.",
        "soilPreference": "Loamy, well-draining soil with added compost",
        "sunlightRequirement": "Full sun",
        "waterRequirement": "Moderate",
        "preferredTemperature": "70-85\u00b0F",
        "spacingRequirement": "18-24 inches apart"
      },
      "growthDetails": {
        "growthPeriod": "Annual",
        "growthType": "Vine",
        "matureHeight": 72,
        "matureWidth": 36,
        "unit": "inches"
      },
      "lifecycleMilestones": {
        "avgFirstBloomDate": "Mid-spring",
        "firstHarvestDate": "Mid-summer",
        "lastHarvestDate": "Late summer"
      },
      "careInstructions": {
        "plantingInstructions": {
          "startIndoors": "Yes, 6-8 weeks before last frost.",
          "transplantOutdoors": "After last frost date.",
          "directSow": "Not recommended."
        },
        "pruningInstructions": "Prune regularly for better airflow and disease prevention.",
        "harvestingInstructions": "Harvest when fruit turns deep red and slightly soft."
      },
      "commonUses": "Fresh eating, slicing, cooking",
      "pestAndDiseaseRisks": "Blight, aphids, nematodes",
      "highlights": "Juicy, sweet, historic heirloom.",
      "history": "Abraham Lincoln tomatoes date back to the late 1920s and were one of the first popular commercial tomato varieties.",
      "species": null
    }
  ],
  "meta": {
    "totalCount": 198,
    "page": 1,
    "perPage": 5,
    "pages": 40,
    "nextCursor": "eyJpZCI6ImZlMDM5YzM0..."
  }
}

GET/v1/plants/varieties/:id

Get variety by ID

Retrieve a single variety record by its UUID. Returns the full variety model including the linked species data.

Required attributes

Name
id
Type
string
Description
The UUID of the variety record.

Request

GET

/v1/plants/varieties/:id

curl "https://verdantly-gardening-api.p.rapidapi.com/v1/plants/varieties/107b8dbb-9fc1-4417-adff-2f647f274969" \
  -H "X-RapidAPI-Host: verdantly-gardening-api.p.rapidapi.com" \
  -H "X-RapidAPI-Key: {apiKey}"

Response

{
  "id": "107b8dbb-9fc1-4417-adff-2f647f274969",
  "mappingId": "85ccf041-12ca-4748-ac51-dda0cd14251f",
  "category": "vegetable",
  "name": "Sungold Tomato",
  "cultivarName": "Sungold",
  "type": "tomato",
  "subtype": "cherry tomato",
  "description": "A cherry tomato variety known for its exceptionally sweet and tangy flavor, bright orange color, and early harvest. Perfect for snacking, salads, and fresh eating.",
  "imageUrl": "https://images.verdantly.io/varieties/sungold-tomato.jpg",
  "growingRequirements": {
    "minGrowingZone": 3,
    "maxGrowingZone": 10,
    "growingZoneRange": "3-10",
    "careInstructions": "Stake or cage for support. Water regularly to prevent cracking.",
    "soilPreference": "Well-drained, fertile soil with high organic matter",
    "sunlightRequirement": "Full sun",
    "waterRequirement": "Medium to high",
    "preferredTemperature": "70-85\u00b0F",
    "spacingRequirement": "18-24 inches between plants"
  },
  "growthDetails": {
    "growthPeriod": "Annual",
    "growthType": "Vine",
    "matureHeight": 60,
    "matureWidth": 24,
    "unit": "inches"
  },
  "lifecycleMilestones": {
    "avgFirstBloomDate": "50-60 days after sowing",
    "firstHarvestDate": "65 days after transplanting",
    "lastHarvestDate": "Indeterminate - until frost"
  },
  "careInstructions": {
    "plantingInstructions": {
      "startIndoors": "6-8 weeks before the last frost date.",
      "transplantOutdoors": "After last frost, once soil warms to 60\u00b0F.",
      "directSow": "Not recommended."
    },
    "pruningInstructions": "Remove suckers to encourage airflow and reduce disease risks.",
    "harvestingInstructions": "Harvest when the tomatoes turn deep golden orange."
  },
  "commonUses": "Fresh eating, salads, garnishes, and snacking.",
  "pestAndDiseaseRisks": "Susceptible to tomato blight, aphids, and whiteflies.",
  "highlights": "Highly sweet and tangy cherry tomato. Early maturing with prolific fruit production.",
  "history": "Bred in Japan for its exceptional flavor and consistent production.",
  "species": {
    "id": "a1b2c3d4-e5f6-7890-abcd-ef1234567890",
    "commonName": "tomato",
    "scientificName": "Solanum lycopersicum L.",
    "taxonomy": {
      "family": "Solanaceae",
      "genus": "Solanum",
      "species": "lycopersicum",
      "familyCommonName": "Nightshade family",
      "category": "Dicot",
      "taxonRank": "Species",
      "scientificNameAuthorship": "L."
    },
    "growthDetails": {
      "growthHabit": "Forb/herb",
      "duration": "Annual",
      "activeGrowthPeriod": "Spring and Summer"
    },
    "distribution": {
      "stateAndProvince": "USA (All states), CAN (BC, ON)"
    },
    "nativeStatus": "L48 (I)"
  }
}

GET/v1/plants/varieties/categories

List all categories

Returns the list of all available plant variety categories. Use these values to filter search and filter results.

Request

GET

/v1/plants/varieties/categories

curl "https://verdantly-gardening-api.p.rapidapi.com/v1/plants/varieties/categories" \
  -H "X-RapidAPI-Host: verdantly-gardening-api.p.rapidapi.com" \
  -H "X-RapidAPI-Key: {apiKey}"

Response

["vegetable", "fruit", "herb", "flower"]

GET/v1/plants/varieties/types/:category

List types for a category

Returns all plant types within a given category. Use these values to further narrow filter and search results.

Required attributes

Name
category
Type
string
Description
The category to list types for (e.g., vegetable, fruit).

Request

GET

/v1/plants/varieties/types/:category

curl "https://verdantly-gardening-api.p.rapidapi.com/v1/plants/varieties/types/vegetable" \
  -H "X-RapidAPI-Host: verdantly-gardening-api.p.rapidapi.com" \
  -H "X-RapidAPI-Key: {apiKey}"

Response

[
  "artichoke", "bean", "beet", "broccoli", "cabbage",
  "carrot", "cauliflower", "celery", "corn", "cucumber",
  "eggplant", "garlic", "kale", "lettuce", "melon",
  "okra", "onion", "pea", "pepper", "potato",
  "pumpkin", "radish", "spinach", "squash", "tomato",
  "turnip", "zucchini"
]

GET/v1/plants/varieties/subtypes/:type

List subtypes for a type

Returns all subtypes within a given plant type. This is the most granular level of the category hierarchy.

Required attributes

Name
type
Type
string
Description
The plant type to list subtypes for (e.g., tomato, pepper).

Request

GET

/v1/plants/varieties/subtypes/:type

curl "https://verdantly-gardening-api.p.rapidapi.com/v1/plants/varieties/subtypes/tomato" \
  -H "X-RapidAPI-Host: verdantly-gardening-api.p.rapidapi.com" \
  -H "X-RapidAPI-Key: {apiKey}"

Response

[
  "beefsteak tomato",
  "cherry tomato",
  "grape tomato",
  "paste tomato",
  "plum tomato",
  "slicer tomato"
]