Have you ever found yourself staring at a New York Times crossword clue, completely stumped? If you’ve encountered the clue “Flowers that bloom in late winter” in the NYT Mini Crossword, you’re not alone. This clue, which appeared in the puzzle on Monday, February 10, 2025, left many solvers scratching their heads. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into this intriguing clue, reveal the answer, and explore the rich history of the NYT crossword. We’ll also share expert tips to help you tackle similar puzzles with confidence. Whether you’re a seasoned solver or a curious beginner, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to conquer even the most challenging clues.

The New York Times Crossword: A Storied Legacy

The New York Times crossword is more than just a puzzle; it’s an American institution. First published on February 15, 1942, the crossword was initially considered a frivolous pastime. However, after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the editors decided that readers needed a distraction during blackouts, and the puzzle quickly became a beloved feature 3. Today, edited by the legendary Will Shortz, the NYT crossword has evolved into a daily ritual for millions, known for its clever wordplay and increasing difficulty throughout the week.

The puzzle’s design follows strict conventions:

• Rotational symmetry: Grids are designed to look identical when rotated 180 degrees.

• Themed puzzles: Monday through Thursday puzzles often have themes, while Friday and Saturday are typically themeless and more challenging.

• Cultural references: Clues frequently draw from literature, art, and pop culture, reflecting the Times’ literate audience.

The NYT crossword has inspired a vast community of enthusiasts and even sparked competitive events like the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament, founded by Will Shortz himself.

Decoding the Clue: “Flowers That Bloom in Late Winter”

On February 10, 2025, the NYT Mini Crossword featured this clue as 1-Across: “Flowers that bloom in late winter”. For many solvers, this was a tricky start. The answer? CROCI.

Why Was This Clue Challenging?

• Plural form: “Croci” is the plural of “crocus,” which is not commonly used in everyday language.

• Specific knowledge: Crocuses are among the first flowers to bloom in late winter or early spring, often pushing through snow. This horticultural fact isn’t universally known.

• Crossword conventions: The clue required solvers to think beyond common flowers like roses or daisies and consider seasonal blooms.

Other Clues from That Day

The February 10 puzzle included other challenging clues, such as:

• 8-Across: “Head, in French” → TETE

• 5-Down: “Kinda sorta” → ISH

• 1-Down: “Prickly pears, e.g.” → CACTI

These clues exemplify the Mini Crossword’s blend of vocabulary, general knowledge, and wordplay.

General Tactics for Solving Crossword Puzzles

Whether you’re tackling the NYT’s flagship crossword or the bite-size Mini, these strategies can help you improve your solving skills:

1. Start with the Basics

• Begin with easy clues: Fill in the answers you know immediately. This provides letters that can help with harder clues.

• Look for short words: Short answers (3-4 letters) are often articles, pronouns, or common verbs (e.g., “the,” “and,” “are”).

2. Understand Crossword Conventions

• Abbreviations: If a clue includes “Abbr.,” the answer is likely an abbreviation (e.g., “M.D. org.” for AMA).

• Question marks: A clue ending with a question mark usually indicates a pun or wordplay (e.g., “Fitness center?” for CORE).

• Plurals and tenses: The answer will match the clue in number and tense. A plural clue means a plural answer.

3. Use Patterns and Word Associations

• Theme puzzles: Identify the theme early. Theme answers are often the longest entries and can reveal patterns.

• Word origins: For clues in other languages, note the hint (e.g., “Head, in French” for TETE).

4. Leverage Outside Resources

• Don’t hesitate to research: Use dictionaries, encyclopedias, or even search engines for unfamiliar terms.

• Practice regularly: The more puzzles you solve, the better you’ll recognize common clues and answers.

5. Stay Persistent and Take Breaks

• Walk away if stuck: A fresh perspective can help you spot connections you missed.

• Enjoy the process: Remember, crosswords are meant to be fun and mentally stimulating.

The Evolution of the NYT Crossword and Its Impact

The NYT crossword has undergone significant changes since its inception. Under editors like Margaret Farrar and Will Shortz, it has maintained a balance of tradition and innovation 3. The puzzle’s difficulty progression—from easiest on Monday to hardest on Saturday—caters to both casual solvers and dedicated enthusiasts.

The introduction of digital platforms has expanded the puzzle’s reach, allowing solvers worldwide to participate. The Times’ Games section now includes a variety of puzzles, such as Wordle, Connections, and Strands, creating a comprehensive suite of brain teasers for all preferences.

Conclusion

The clue “Flowers that bloom in late winter” is a perfect example of the NYT crossword’s ability to blend nature, language, and culture into a single, engaging clue. With the answer CROCI, solvers not only learned a new word but also gained insight into the subtle beauty of late-winter blooms.

As you continue your crossword journey, remember that every clue—no matter how challenging—is an opportunity to learn and grow. Embrace the puzzle’s rich history, apply these solving tactics, and most importantly, have fun. Happy solving!

FAQ

What does the clue “Flowers that bloom in late winter” mean?

It refers to crocus flowers, which are among the first to bloom in late winter or early spring. The answer is “CROCI,” the plural of crocus.

How can I improve my crossword-solving skills?

Practice regularly, start with easy clues, learn common crossword conventions, and don’t shy away from researching unfamiliar terms.

Are there other puzzles similar to the NYT Crossword?

Yes! The New York Times Games section offers Wordle, Connections, Strands, and the Mini Crossword, each with unique challenges.

Why is the NYT Crossword so popular?

Its rich history, clever cluing, and cultural relevance have made it a daily ritual for millions. Under editor Will Shortz, it has maintained high standards of quality and creativity