I had this happen on a world that was made post-1.18.2 and the missing chunks were previously explored.
I am having the same issue. The crops seem to get to second stage and then stop. If I break them then, they'll start growing on their own. Until I save and exit. The when I come back in I have t o start the process over.
I had this happen on a world that was made post-1.18.2 and the missing chunks were previously explored.