1209.30.00 - Seeds of herbaceous plants cultivated principally for their flowers

This HTS classification, 1209.30.00, specifically covers seeds from herbaceous plants that are primarily grown for their floral display. The key determinant here is the principal use of the plant: if it's cultivated mainly for its flowers, then its seeds fall under this heading, regardless of whether those flowers are for ornamental, horticultural, or even some specific industrial purposes like dye production. This category is distinct from other seed classifications within Chapter 12 that focus on different end uses, such as fodder, oil production, or cereal grains.

While at the same level, 1209.10.00.00 deals with sugar beet seeds, and other sibling categories cover seeds for forage plants or general "other" seeds. This heading is specifically narrowed to those herbaceous plants valued for their blooms. Therefore, seeds of plants grown for their foliage, fruits, or roots, even if herbaceous, would not be classified here unless the flower production is the dominant purpose of cultivation.

The subcategories within 1209.30.00 provide further refinement based on the specific type of flower seed. The subdivision 1209.30.00.10 is reserved for petunia seeds, a popular ornamental flowering plant. All other seeds of herbaceous plants cultivated principally for their flowers, not specifically categorized as petunias, are encompassed within the residual category 1209.30.00.90. This hierarchical structure allows for precise identification and classification based on the botanical characteristics and intended horticultural application of the seeds.