Hi Tiger, I hope I got this testing right for you based on your instructions and my interpretation
Ran tests on quest/default farm if that matters. Single plots (not layered). Self planted with tools (see list below).
For all tests, the crops DID show as growing on first reload and second reload. Here are the tools I used:
*Yellow extended seeder only - alfafa
*Red 256 seeder only - cassava
*White h/p/sow (combine) - basil
*Red h/p/sow (combine) - hibiscus
Planted with irrigation, so I won't know if grows fully for 4 hours, and I work today, so may not be able to give update til late afternoon (if you need it)