Crossword Genius

An incipient bloomer (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bud

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'bloomer' is the definition.

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

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(Other definitions for bud that I've seen before include "Tight flower" , "Small pre-flower knob - nip it" , "Friend" , "American beer" , "Opening flower" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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