The research is aimed at studying the characteristics of growth, productivity and sugar content of Kazakh and foreign-bred sweet sorghum varieties and hybrids in the arid conditions of the southeast of Kazakhstan. The biometric and phenological characteristics of sweet sorghum varieties have been determined. Characteristics of soluble sugars accumulation and distribution in individual organs of sorghum have been shown. The promising varieties that are suitable for cultivation in the arid conditions of the southeast of Kazakhstan have been identified. Ultra-early ripening, high grain productivity, the heavy total biomass of the aboveground organs and high sugar content in the Medovoye variety make it possible to recommend its use in agro-industrial production and the breeding process. Among the early-maturing varieties of sweet sorghum, the Kazakhstanskoye-16 variety for its grain and biological productivity and sugar content in the conditions of rainfed agriculture can be recommended for practical use in crop production. In terms of the economically useful attributes, mid-season varieties, such as Rostovsky, Zubr, Dela-varieta, Simon, Kazakhstanskaya-20, have been highlighted. These high-yield, high-sugar samples are recommended for cultivation without additional irrigation. As a conclusion, every group of sweet sorghum includes promising varieties and hybrids for practical use in the arid conditions of the southeast of the Republic.