New Delhi, July 6 -- every strand word in Monday's grid is a verb meaning to grow, flourish, or expand.

If you want to work through the grid yourself before seeing the full solution, three hints are below. Skip past them for the complete answer.

Hints for NYT Strands #855

Hint 1: Every theme word in the grid is a verb describing something growing, thriving, or expanding.

Hint 2: Think of how a garden or a thriving business might be described at its peak - the words are all positive, active, and energetic.

Hint 3: The spangram is one word and names the season that sits between spring and autumn, associated with warmth and rapid natural growth.

One more nudge if you are still working on it: the spangram always runs from one edge of th...