We couldn't ever find anyone to help with the outdoor troubleshooting form.

Sure they wern't preflowers? The calyxs and pistils start showing when they're approaching sexual maturity. Tizn't really a sign of actual flowering.

Are they in-ground, or in pots?

How big was the hole you put 'em in? (would a 5 gallon pot have fit? A 3 gallon...? 10 gallon?)

Is there good drainage? (how long would the hole have taken to drain if filled with water?)

I'm an indoor grower, but it does looks like either overheated roots, or perhaps rootbound. (inadequate water uptake...?) Do you mist the plant at all? Do you foliar feed or use teas? These things may interrupt transpiration as well.

Not sure about salted water outdoors. But salt build-up isn't a good thing. What's wrong with your unsoftened water?

Have you checked the undersides of the leaves for insects?

How about filling out the peat-based soil troubleshooting form, and add these questions and answers. At least it will keep ya busy till an edumicated outdoorsy type stumbles along...