Last year was my first time growing cabbage.  I grew a fall/winter crop of Ruby Perfection, a deep red and white colored brassica.  This variety took about 80-85 days to mature and was quite beautiful in the garden.  

You do need to give them plenty of room; mine grew to about two feet tall, with a two to three foot spread.  The heads were medium sized (about 3 ½ lbs.) and had a delicious, sweet flavor.