Generally I am not using the baggy method unless i am not sure of the viability of the seed and want to check before planting. Normally in the baggy you only have the root and the seed. You should not wait for stem growth before planting. When you do plant the soil or mix should be just as well prepared as if you were planting the seed only. The soil must be in contact with the seed and root, so usually that means gently tamping it down. Moisture must be maintained or the root will die in a few minutes. I don't see where your location could possibly be blamed. Al

I'm with Al on this one. I only use the baggie method to check old seeds for viability.

Yeah, I'm with the others. I have had the same problem. I plant the seeds directly in the containers or in the ground.

I have occasionally used the baggie method..such as in germinating mandevilla laxa. I had better luck in using baggies. with that one. However, once the seed has germinated, it goes into a pot of good potting soil to grow on. I wasn't sure from your post whether or not you may be putting the sprouted seed directly into the ground.

I wonder if your area is warm enough for those plants. Okra, for example, grows well in India which is right on the equator and gets extremely hot

Thanks for your comments. Just to clarify, The Okra I grew directly from seed in pots and while they came up they grew slowly and I'm sure it's related to climate. I'm not in the deep south where they grow fast. I may try cultivar Pentagreen which apparently is better for cooler areas.
Maybe I should use the baggie method less than I have been using it.
Thanks.
Z

The optimum soil temps for okra are between 70F and 95F.

I live in coastal San Diego and don't plant heat loving crops like corn until June. Since it often stays warm through mid-October, there's still time for them to mature.